Tuesday, 17 November 2009 20:38
The walled Centro town of
Penela will offer Portugal’s largest living Creche, with locals in the rolls of the family of Christ, Shepard, and onlookers, recreating the Nativity Scene in Bethlehem. The Living Creche is open to the public from December 12th to January 03, 2010. To add to the celebration, the town will hold a Creche contest for popular and traditional Creches – and all entries will be on display as well. The making of Creches is a part of Portuguese popular culture, dating back centuries. Creches by Machado de Castro, born near Penela in Coimbra, are considered today high art. Machado de Castro had an art school in Coimbra where the main art museum named in his honor. A major holiday tradition in Penal and around the country is setting up the Creche. The materials for the Creche are often collected by children. While some families revel in displaying an elaborate scene with not only the three main figures but also the Three Wise Kings, the shepherd and the sheep, complete with lakes (made with mirrors) and hills (made with rocks, moss, and clay). Penela’s castle was built on a hill to protect Coimbra to the north. The origins of the name of the town, according to a legend, date to King D. Afonso Henriques leading his troops in storming the town: Coragem! Já estamos com o pé nela! (Courage! We have a foothold!). See
images and
video.
Media Kit
Portugal National Tourist Office