The Lagoa Municipal Council is promoting the 35th edition of the Nativity Scene Competition, with registration open until December 21 for participants residing or based in the municipality of Lagoa.

The contest has two categories, Traditional Nativity Scene and Original Nativity Scene, in three classes: Class I, Individuals; Class II, Schools, Kindergartens, Daycare Centers, Leisure Workshops, and Catechism Classes in the municipality; and Class III, Public or Private Institutions in the municipality. The rules have been updated, with the Contemporary Clay Figurines category being removed.

In the Traditional Nativity Scene category, typical elements of Azorean nativity scenes, such as bran and stones, the representation of traditions, aesthetic harmony, lighting, creativity, and the use of clay figurines produced by Lagoa artisans will be valued. In the Original Nativity Scene category, innovation in materials, recycling or reuse, creativity, aesthetic harmony, and lighting will be taken into account.

A minimum of four participants is required for the three prizes in each category and class to be awarded. If this number is not reached, only one prize will be awarded to the winner. If there is only one competitor, they will receive a participation prize of €50 and a certificate.

The five-member jury will evaluate the nativity scenes during an in-person visit on December 23. Public voting will take place online on the municipality’s Facebook page from December 24 to 31. The final ranking will be based on a 65 percent weighting for the jury and 35 percent for the public.

In Class I, Individuals, and Class III, Public or Private Institutions, the first prize is €300, the second prize is €200, and the third prize is €100. In Class II, the winning class or group receives €300, the second prize consists of a family pass to the Municipal Swimming Pool Complex for each student or user, and the third prize is a visit to a recreational and educational facility in the municipality, with admission, transportation, and snacks included.

All participants will be entitled to a certificate of participation and the results will be announced from January 10, 2026. Registrations can be made by telephone on 296 960 600, by email to concursopresepios@lagoa-acores.pt or using the form available on the Lagoa Municipal Council website.

In Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, director

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