There will be dozens of nativity scenes to discover in São Brás until January 8
Over 60 nativity scenes can be found in São Brás de Alportel as part of the borough’s yearly Nativity Scene Route.
“In this year’s edition, the already traditional Nativity Scenes Route of São Brás de Alportel is surprising all visitors once again with a record number of increasingly diverse and innovative nativity scenes,” the Municipal Council says in a communiqué to the press.
The nativity scenes are created by members of local associations, entities, schools, commercial establishments and local citizens.
Highlighted is the nativity scene of the Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters of São Brás de Alportel, which has presented its largest ever. The nativity scene has grown from occupying just 40sqm to 140sqm and features a variety of scenarios and historical recreations brought to life by around 1,200 figures and electronic mechanisms. There are also four lakes in which visitors can “toss a lucky coin”. The nativity scene was created by four firefighters from the local fire station, with the support of “friends and benefactors.”
There is also a long list of other nativity scenes which can be seen in the town until January 8, such as at the Museu dos Trajes (Costume Museum), local Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Parque do Miradouro da Cabeça do Velho, Centro Museológico de Alportel (Alportel Museum Centre), Corotelo Kindergarten and Municipal Library.
In the village of Parises, there will be two nativity scenes on display, one being a traditional Algarve nativity scene in the village chapel and the other a nativity scene made of stone by students from two classes of the EB1 no.2 School of São Brás de Alportel.
Quinta do Peral, the municipality’s Centre of Environmental Interpretation and Education, will also be showcasing a handmade nativity scene created using fabrics by São Brás craftswoman Emília Guerreiro.
At the town’s church (Igreja Matriz), there will be 10 nativity scenes on display between December 20 and January 8, while the atrium of the São Brás Cineteatro Jaime Pinto will display 41 nativity scenes created by 18 artisans.
All nativity scenes can be visited for free.
São Brás will also celebrate Epiphany (January 6) with a live nativity scene representation by the SãoBrazArte Association at the Municipal Library at 4.30 pm.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
