Every year at Christmastime, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosts a Latino Christmas program in Utah. This year's program consisted of performances of the first act of El Salvador del Mundo, or The Savior of the World, performed entirely in Spanish.
The one-act drama tells the Christmas story, including the events leading up to and including the night of the Savior's birth as told in the scriptures. The musical was performed on Friday, 4 December, and twice on Saturday, 5 December, at the Bountiful Regional Center.
Many of the performers participated in the event as a family. This was convenient because of the huge time commitment required, sometimes including significant driving time because the volunteers came from many different areas.
The entire cast consisted of 120 individuals.
Despite all the hard work and long hours, there was a huge feeling of optimism backstage before the performance's opening night.
"Your testimony grows and it's almost impossible not to see the message that can be given through a play," costume director Carla Montesino said about incorporating music and acting with the script. "It may reach people in a way that no other medium could."
"It has been a great experience for everyone involved," said Montesino.
The Church has a growing population of Spanish-speaking members, approximately 4.5 million throughout the world.
Currently, an interactive exhibit is on display in the Church History Museum that details the history of Latter-day Saints in Latin America. Media coverage of the exhibit can be accessed through the Deseret News and KSL-TV.
In September 2009, the Church made available a Latter-day Saint edition of the Holy Bible in Spanish.
Two additional performances of El Salvador del Mundo will take place on 19 December at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah.
