According to a press release from the municipality, the “Vila Natal 2024” program is taking place in Vila Franca do Campo until January 4 and includes cultural, social, and sporting events for all ages.
On December 6, the Christmas lights, municipal nativity scene, and Christmas tree were inaugurated this year with new colors. On Sunday, December 8, there was a shop window competition and the opening of the “Elves’ Village” in Largo Bento de Góis, an area dedicated to children that featured bouncy houses, a mobile caterpillar, traditional games, paintings, and entertainment by local groups.
The Municipal Museum will inaugurate its nativity scene on December 10, which will include a musical soiree and a visit to the Núcleo Museológico do Presépio (Cidade de Lagoa) on December 11 as part of the Seniores Ativos 60+ program.
According to the same press release, the “Santa’s Shop” will be open to the public at the Açor Arena multipurpose pavilion from the 14th to the 15th. It is a display of local products aimed at promoting local commerce.
Regarding sports, the 9th edition of the EPIC TRAIL by Decathlon took place on December 7, with 855 athletes taking part, including 110 athletes of 22 nationalities. On December 15, the traditional “Rota dos Presépios” race will take place, organized by the Vila Franca Sports Club with the support of the municipality. Participants will be able to pass through points at all the nativity scenes in the municipality’s parishes.
On December 21, the “Christmas Fit” activity, supported by the Industrial Gym, is scheduled for the Açor Arena pavilion. Participants will enjoy free PUMP, Cross-Training, and Cycling classes.
To round off the municipality’s Christmas program, the traditional Three Kings Parade will take place in Largo do Município on January 4.

in Diário da lagoa, Clife Botelho-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.