Deep in the Serra do Caldeirão mountains, the tiny village of Parises is turning into a Green Christmas Village once again – a nature-filled celebration of the season, where local traditions, music and homemade treats take centre stage. Organised by the municipal council of São Brás de Alportel with the help of residents, volunteers and friends, the initiative promises to “bring back the essence of Christmas”, namely its most “genuine, sustainable and authentic” traits.
The festivities include a packed weekend programme on December 13 and 14, filling the hills of the Serra with holiday flavour. Festivities on Saturday, December 13 begin at 10.30am with the lighting of the Village Fire and the opening of the Village Market. At 11am, the “Flavours Workshop” reveals how to prepare the traditional wood-fired bean stew, in partnership with the Confraternity of the Serra do Caldeirão. At 11.30am, a Christmas Workshop teaches families to craft their own star using local Indian cane plants.
Sweet treats and lively entertainment take over in the afternoon: at 2.30pm, visitors can watch and taste freshly-fried filhós by local cook D. Serafina, followed at 4.30pm by a performance from the Rancho Típico Sambrasense. At 5.15pm, the SãoBrazArte Association presents its impressive Living Nativity, just before the Christmas lights sparkle on at 5.30pm. Music continues with a performance by Margô at 6pm, and the day wraps up with a traditional community dinner at 6.30pm.
On Sunday, December 14, the village awakens again at 10.30am with the Village Fire and market reopening near the Community Centre. At 11am, the Christmas Workshop explores natural decoration techniques, before the popular “Venham de lá papas” – a traditional warm porridge dish – is served at 1pm. At 2pm, participants learn to make fatias douradas, Portugal’s beloved golden French-toast-style Christmas sweet. In the afternoon, the local Children’s Choir performs at 4pm, followed by the lighting of the Christmas village at 5.30pm and a musical moment with Jasmim at 5.45pm. The evening ends with fire-heated chocolate and hot drinks at 6.15pm.
The celebration continues on Sunday, December 21, beginning at 4pm with Story Time, followed by the inclusive “Dance the Mind” project at 4.30pm, both held near the Casa da Serra. The village lights shine once again at 5.30pm, closing the day with fire-brewed chocolate and tea at 6.15pm.
Participation in the Christmas workshops costs €3 per person, with limited places (maximum 20) to ensure a cosy, personal experience for everyone.
Parises is part of the Aldeias de Portugal – Serra de São Brás Route
