Just one last ‘Presepio de Natal’
In the hilltop village of Alferce, in Portugal’s Algarve, a gathering is taking place on the streets.
Wise men, shepherds and curious onlookers, they have come to see the Nativity scene at the heart of the village. And who can blame them?
Isn’t it beautiful? If graceful can be said to be “full of grace”, I think this qualifies for the Weekly Photo Challenge. Don’t you agree?
Pop in and see Cate if you have six words to share, too.
Jo this is such a beautiful little place and I see with joy that they keep up with their own age long tradition. At first I thought they were real people (my eyes!!!) 🙂 – thanks for sharing this with us. Hugs to you
It’s a tiny village, Carina, and I think it’s very special that they honour traditions like this. It’s a lovely thing to share. 🙂
You melt my heart with these nativity posts Jo, truly amazing… ❤
We definitely hope to be back out there at the same time next year, Sherri. It was fab 🙂 🙂
Yes, beautiful indeed. And impressive that a small? village puts on such a magnificent display.
The village is tiny! I don’t know how they manage to make a living because it’s so remote, but really beautiful. I love that they keep up their traditions. 🙂
I do so love your glimpses into the tranquil little life of the Algarve. Someday I shall make it there to enjoy every quaint nook and cranny you feature.
It’s taken me years to find these nooks and crannies, AG, but you’re very welcome to join me 🙂 🙂
How fabulous is that? Oh my you find the sweetest collections to show us Jo.
I see in the comments you are not feeling so well? Hoping you have a quick recovery. Xo
Just flu, hon. I was bopping about to Long Tall Sally while I did some housework and it started another coughing fit so I’m back to the blog. Obviously h/w doesn’t agree with me. Couldn’t be Little Richard could it? 🙂 🙂 Cheered me up, anyway.
Yes stay away from that pesky housework! Feel better soon. Xo
Lovely walk…
Such a nice time of the year in the Algarve, Lori 🙂 Happy Sunday!
Life size models as well as the crib, Alferce is amazing. I hope you’re feeling better sweetheart, and manage some fresh air perhaps? I think it’s going to be sunny here today, I’m off to north Devon to see my ex husbands mums for her 90th birthday. Have a nice day, you’re off away soon aren’t you? Gxx
Sounds like a lovely day for you, Gilly. Have a lovely time 🙂 I might wimp out and stay huddled in front of the tennis with my sunshine images of the Algarve. There was a lovely little swimming pool at the back of Alferce, looking out on the hills.
James is arriving this evening and we’ll have a birthday meal out tomorrow. I met my friend Ann in our marina yesterday and I was goosed after. Florence not till the end of Feb. Looking forward to watching it on Invisible Italian Cities this week. Naples and Venice were amazing. Hugs, honeybun!
Wonderful photos of such a special occasion and celebration, Jo. Your last image is especially breathtaking. Happy weekend to you. xx
I’m coughing and wheezing like an aged smoker, Ad. I can just about manage to hit the keys and watch the tennis. 🙂 Hope you’ve got those mirrors sorted.
Oh no!! Get better soon. xx
Some people have been really creatve with this!
We saw an enormous amount of creativity in the Algarve this January, Mlissabeth. 🙂 How are things with you? Cate wasn’t about to link up to yesterday but I’ll try again now.
I have had several problems with progression of metstatic breast cancer to different parts of my body. Not so well these days. I haven’t crocheted for about a month. Don’t be sad. I still have hope.
So sorry, sweetheart. Fight on! I’ll pray for you 🙂
Ha ha. Great form of grace-full
And I particularly like your 2nd and last shot. The last one is such a great mix of true Portuguese (tiles and colours) with traditional Christian christmas. As for teh 2ns shot – is he carrying that pot as a form of personal protection?
He does have a thoughtful look on his face, Debs. Don’t like to think just what he might be contemplating 🙂 🙂
I love this. Such a clever way to celebrate.
So many variations on a theme, Carol, and I loved them all. 🙂
Life-sized creatures, how wonderful. So many different nativity versions you encountered this “year”! Keep on discovering and exploring, Jo! 🙂
I think I must have exhausted the Algarve’s supply, don’t you, Liesbet? 🙂 It was fun though.
Hey, as long as there is supply, there must be demand, right? 🙂 I cannot get enough of anything Algarve, Jo!
Loved this, Jo. A lot of work went into this. Definitly qualifies.
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Hello, sweetheart! How are you? I still do 6WS whenever I can but quite often Cate is late or doesn’t make it at all. I’ll pop over and see you soon. 🙂
This reminds me of your scarecrow village in the Dales. How sweet! I do hope you are feeling a little better – keep supping those hot toddies!
Half a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc was very nice but now I feel like crawling into bed. Blame Rafa! 5am is too early to start a day. 🙂 Great match though.
Yes, definitely…you nailed this one, Jo! Great photos!
Thanks, Jill. 🙂 And I enjoyed being there too.
I could sit here all day. That is for what Jo 😊
Missed words sorry. (What museums and sun is for.)
I’m inclined to sit here all day too, Gerry. It’s cold outside 🙂 🙂
For sure!! Graceful and serene. Love the tiles. Did you get to the tile museum in Lisbon?! And the sheep and donkeys are beautiful.
Peta
I’ve not been to Lisbon for a number of years, Peta. Due to go back again and the azulejo museum is definitely on the list. 🙂 Happy weekend!
You are qualified, Jo – no doubt at all. Thank you for bringing some smiles and sunshine on this grey Saturday. Paired with this loving, native scene. Hope you feel better soon. Such a nuisance, this winter colds. I have just said goodbye to mine. Mind you, looking across the big pond I could catch a second one.
Grey and dampish here, Dina, and I’ve promised a friend to meet at lunchtime. Don’t really feel like it but don’t like to let her down. 😦
Thank you for your kindness. I will disinfect my hugs before sending them to you. 🙂
These are all wonderful, Jo!
I saw so many lovely crib scenes this year, Cathy! Truly wonderful 🙂 I think the salt one was my favourite. It looked so much like snow.
Oh, ich liebe den Süden, wunderschöne passende Krippenbilder…
Vielen danke, Ernst 🙂 🙂
What a nativity scene. Every prop looks to size and so life-like. For a moment I actually thought the camel was real :”D Such a good view from the top of Alferce. Lovely weather greeting you at the top, and a warm welcome by the sunshine too 🙂
It’s a lovely little spot, Mabel. There’s a little swimming pool looking down over the hills too 🙂 Happy what’s left of the weekend!
Graceful and full of grace, definitely. And how magical and lovingly made those near life-size figures. Love the sheep.
I think I should definitely declare Advent well and truly over, Tish, but it was lovely while it lasted. 🙂 🙂
That must be the nativity scene to top all nativity scenes. Beautiful photos and I smiled at your words. Hugs from 1° as I head out in search of keycutter, art and maps.
Gotta end on a high, Meg 🙂 Exhausted from watching Rafa for the past 4 hours. Interesting shopping list 🙂 I need to get my act together now because it’s James’ birthday on Monday and I ought to get him a few bits. I’m meeting my friend from ex-Polish classes at lunchtime so I need to try not to infect her. Hugs will be lethal, darlin. 🙂 🙂
Somehow it’s reassuring to know that natives suffer too. But I’m sorry you are. May tennis heal all woes. Will you be chatting in Polish? Just as I was feeling I was managing without, I went to register my phones and got told “Nie mogę” – I did understand that. But I couldn’t get “But my husband registered his here last night” to trip off my tongue. Relatively germ free hugs en route to you – but handle with care. Uwaga!
We should indeed converse in Polish but it would be awfully quiet at our table. 🙂 🙂 Ann doesn’t have contact with her Polish family any more and her Polish Dad’s dead too, so there’s not much incentive. Forca is the Portuguese word for being strong. I think I may need some of that this afternoon (and I can just hear Jude offering a nip of brandy 🙂 )
I’ll send you a shot glass of vodka flavoured with bitter orange and herbs.
Sounds just the ticket 🙂 Half bottle of Sauvignon Blanc was nice while it lasted but I’m tired now.
You sound as if you’re quite sick. Look after yourself my dear. I’m sending healing hugs.
Thanks, darlin. I actually turned down an outing today! 😦 Can’t remember the last time that happened, and it’s turned out sunny too. Sociability yesterday finished me off 🙂 I’ve rallied a bit. Viveka sent me a music CD and I’ve been bopping about a bit to it (then stopping to cough 🙂 ) and a little much needed housework got done. This world is full of sweethearts and I’m a lucky lady 🙂
Que maravilha!
Mille grazie, Anna 🙂 🙂
I do agree Jo!
Thank you kindly, Andrew 🙂 Always good to have you on side 🙂 🙂
It definitely qualifies, Jo. 😀 The village location is stunning and the nativity display so beautiful and full of serenity, a sense of peace from each and every one. Wishing you a lovey weekend. ♥️
Thanks, darlin 🙂 Loaded with cold but watching Rafa has warmed me up a bit 🙂 Enjoy your weekend, too!
Oh no, hope you’re better soon. 😀😃 Take care and enjoy the tennis.
Oh you made it 😀 having put this on my ‘things to do list’ I then totally forgot!! Must remember the list doesn’t always wirk when it’s in my head!
It may still be on this weekend, Becky, but it’s a long way to go if it isn’t. I’m sure I read 22nd somewhere, but it seems very late. Chourico festival on somewhere this weekend- Querenca I think? Has the weather picked up? I’m very tensely watching Rafa. 🙂 🙂
Yes sausages tomorrow and definitely warmer than it was 😎 apparently the snow arrived in Tavira too!!
Hope Rafa wins for you, you’ll have to have words if he doesn’t!