The President of the Regional Government of the Azores, José Manuel Bolieiro, inaugurated last Friday, December 12, the Nativity Scene and Christmas Tree of the Presidency of the Government, in a ceremony held at the Palácio de Sant’Ana in Ponta Delgada, marked by a spirit of closeness and conviviality between different generations.

The head of the regional executive, accompanied by the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, welcomed around 45 members of the Casa do Povo of Arrifes. The group included children from the Intergenerational Center and users of the Day Center and the Residential Facility for Older Persons (ERPI), thus honoring the Christmas tradition of opening the Palace to the community.

In the gardens of the official residence, beside the Nativity Scene, Bolieiro addressed a message to all Azoreans, across the nine islands and throughout the diaspora, underscoring the season’s meaning as a time of love and hope.

“We are in a Christmas season that calls us to the very best spirit that the birth of the Child Jesus brings to the surface: love and hope,” the President of the Regional Government stated.

Referring to the importance of opening the Palace to the community, the regional leader highlighted the symbolism of the encounter between children and the elderly, valuing human warmth and intergenerational sharing. “It is with great pleasure that, in keeping with the tradition of the Christmas tree at the Presidency of the Government, we welcome children and older adults to celebrate, to receive them with warmth and affection, here in the Palácio de Sant’Ana,” he added.

In a context of international instability, José Manuel Bolieiro also called for peace, harmonious coexistence, and unity, arguing that respect, kindness, and love for one’s neighbor are essential to overcoming challenges.

The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Board of the Casa do Povo of Arrifes, Lurdes Massa; the President of the Arrifes Parish Council, Miguel Sousa; and the staff of the Palácio de Sant’Ana.

In Diário da Lagoa, Clife Botelho-director.