Unfortunately we are going to miss the presépios this year as we are in England for Christmas, and return to Portugal a few days after twelfth night. So if you are there this Christmas please take a few extra photographs for me!
The very first crib is believed to have been created in Italy in the mid 13th century , and over the following centuries the concept spread across Europe. In England they seem to be limited to churches these days, but in Portugal you will find many of them in the fire stations such as this one in Faro as well as libraries and halls. Most families will also have a small one in their homes.
What I love about them is that as well as the Nativity they depict scenes from every day life. A life that would have been typical of many countries 2000 years ago, but disappeared in England in the last century. You will still though find people living this simpler and more sustainable life in parts of the Algarve and Alentejo.
My favourite presépio is the extraordinary Presépio Gigante in Vila Real de Santo António, but they are all very special so if you see a sign for presépio follow it!
I remember Jo’s photos from last year, it’s such a lovely tradition 🙂
She did the salt one in Castro Marim didn’t she last year. So very clever. 😊
I reckon these would take all year to make. Do they start on Dec 26?
I know!!! Apparently not however, they only start about a month or so before on the largest one so these medium-sized ones must only take a week or so. Incredible.
Lovely memories! My favourite was the snowy one at Castro Marim, and from the looks of things we’ll have the real thing this Christmas 🙁
🙂 hopefully we will both be there next Christmas, away from all the cloudy skies and snow here!
Keeping my fingers crossed it doesn’t snow in Hampshire. Have you got it already?
Heading to Leeds tomorrow and the forecast’s looking dire. Not here yet 🙂
Hope your journey is ok tomorrow, and will ask Rudolph to delay the snow for you or should we be asking Paddington this year?!!
We have a small nativity scene which I always display in our home. I just got it out of its box this morning and put it in its traditional place in the lounge room.
oh how lovely. Do you add pieces at the month progresses or does it all go out at once?
It’s all in one piece.
🙂