The largest nativity scene in the country returns to Vila Real de Santo António, starting on November 28 (Saturday), and, of course, once again sets another record, surpassing the bar of 5600 figures.
To bring this initiative to life, which comes of age in 2020, upon completing its 18th edition, it took more than 40 days and 2500 hours of work, although preparations began several months ago, even in the face of the uncertainty of the pandemic of the Covid-19.
As usual, the list of materials used in its construction is extensive and includes more than 20 tons of sand, 4 tons of stone dust, 3000 kg of cork and hundreds of props.
All these efforts allowed the Presépio Gigante to reach, once again, the goal of 230 square meters, occupying the entire exhibition area of the António Aleixo Cultural Center, with thousands of figures, many made from scratch by its authors and others that can reach the several hundred euros.
In 2020, the structure presents itself with a new configuration, but it has evocative pieces from the region, namely Praça Marquês de Pombal, the old huts of Monte Gordo beach, the salt pans, the traditional Algarve norms, as well as other local monuments .
The more than 80 animated and motorized pieces, the four lakes and the scenic lighting are “the secret” of the event and are, simultaneously, some of the most attractive points. All of this is based on a complex support base where several kilometers of cables are installed, which make this work of art come alive and guarantee, for example, the circulation of water, the lighting of houses and the scenic effects.
These elements are added to the reconstruction of many Christian and pagan episodes associated with the Christmas season – patent in the nativity scene – factors that distinguish it from all the others in the country and are one of the reasons for its success.
Location: António Aleixo Cultural Center | VRSA
28 NOV 2020> 6 JAN 2021 (daily)
Opening hours: 10 am – 1 pm | 2:30 pm – 7:00 pm
DEC 24 and 31: closes at 6 pm
DEC 25: 10 am – 1 pm | 2:30 pm – 7:00 pm
1 JAN: from 2:30 pm to 7:00 pm