One of the Algarve’s most unique nativity scenes will be unveiled in Castro Marim
Castro Marim’s stunning nativity scene display, famous for creating its snowy landscape with several tons of local salt, will also pay tribute to local crafts.
The nativity scene – which will be divided into two version this year – will be unveiled at Casa do Sal on Sunday, December 1 at 4pm, marking the start of the holiday season in the eastern Algarve municipality. It will remain on display until January 6.
Crafted with a mix of materials symbolic of Castro Marim, including salt, often referred to as the town’s “white gold”, the nativity scene will also highlight “empreita”, a centuries-old craft of weaving palm leaves into items like baskets, containers, and tools used in agriculture, fishing, and salt production. These artisanal contributions come from the village of Junqueira, where local craftspeople have preserved these techniques for generations.
The salt nativity scene is brought to life by collector Ernesto Pires, in collaboration with the parish council of Castro Marim, which has been steadily building its own collection. Meanwhile, a separate cane nativity scene has been crafted by local artists Martinho Fernandes and Paula Gaspar.
“The Salt and Crafts Nativity Scene continues its efforts to promote and strengthen the great economic, social and cultural motor of Castro Marim, which is salt, with the goal of enriching and adding value to the municipality’s symbolic connection to salt production, whilst also promoting other elements of local culture and heritage, such as its crafts,” the municipal council says in a statement to the press.
Incorporating salt and local crafts into the nativity scene is also described as a way of promoting what makes Castro Marim unique and making sure that old techniques and know-how are honoured and adapted for modern-day uses, it adds.
