A couple of nights ago (December 1st), the Harmónica Furnense and the Camélias Folkloric Group inaugurated the opening of the lights of the famous and unique Caldeiras das Furnas Nativity Scene at 8.30pm.
The most famous Christmas crib on the island will once again feature lots of LED lights and hundreds of figures with some modifications and innovations. It’s being organized by the Povoação council in partnership with the Furnas parish council.
During Christmas, there will be entertainment on weekends in the Caldeiras area.
The Câmara da Povoação and the local parish council have been involved in lighting up the Nativity scene and recreating new scenes that have enriched the boiler area. This festive tourist attraction attracts thousands of visitors yearly to what is known as the “Visitor’s Room of the Azores.”
During the Christmas season, the Furnas Nativity Scene will be illuminated continuously during Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. On the other days, the lights will be on from 18h00 to 01h00.
Earlier, in the emblematic Campo de São Francisco, the magic of Christmas comes to life from today to December 24, between 1pm and 10pm, with the enchanting handicraft fair featuring more than three dozen artisans from the municipality.
Strolling among the stands, visitors will be able to appreciate a wide variety of unique, handmade pieces that enhance our cultural heritage and invite everyone to celebrate traditions and support local talent.
Right next to the ice rink, which will delight the more adventurous, this is the perfect place to find that special gift and experience the magic of this Christmas season in your own town, appreciating pieces ranging from figurative ceramics to weaving, from lapine cribs to fish scale or corn leaf art.
This municipal initiative will highlight the skills of our community’s artisans and include working groups that take on the mission of keeping our traditions alive.

In Diário dos Açores, Osvaldo Cabral-director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.