The only kind of ‘snow’ I’m fond of- a bed of salt crystals, making a backdrop for the Presépio do Sal, in Castro Marim. Every year, throughout Portugal, Nativity scenes take pride of place in towns and villages. In this small Algarve village, more than 7 tons of locally produced salt form the basis of the scene. This has been an exceptional year for salt production, and the Nativity is a wonderful tribute to the salt pans and their workers.
At weekends there are story times for children and music concerts. You have until 6th January to visit if you are in the area. I’m happy to add this post to Amy’s Lens-Artists theme, On Display, this week, with wishes to all for a Christmas full of joy.
restlessjo 
I don’t remember the ‘snow’ in the Christmas scenes before? It’s all so pretty and it’s wonderful that they make such an effort 🙂
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The one at Castro Marim is the only one I know where they use a salt base, Gilly, and it’s beautiful! All set for a good weekend? 🙂 🙂
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So I didn’t imagine it then! Been to the woods with the dogs and some chores of course, it’s quite cold and grey today.
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Cool now but it’s been another lovely day. Going to the Carmo church for Fado this evening, then eating out. I’ve almost forgotten how to cook… lazy b! 🙂 🙂
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This is so lovely. Blessings to you and yours Jo. xx
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It’s my favourite, Miriam, though I did love Odeleite. Many thanks, and Christmas hugs 🙂 🙂
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Hugs back! xx 😊
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Beautiful photos of this loved Nativity scene. Merry Christmas Jo😄
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Delight was on every face as we wandered around it, Gilda 🙂 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!
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Jo, a beautiful and creative nativity scene! And I love the use of salt for snow … it works perfectly and glitters magically! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas! Hugs xx 😀❤️
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Hello, sweetheart 🙂 🙂 We have anything but Christmas weather here! It’s seriously damp, but still 17/18C and our houseplants are sitting outside loving it 🙂 I looked at Leeds temperatures and shivered, but it will only be a flying visit. Merry Christmas to you!
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High teens sounds lovely! Our garden is now well towards becoming an impromptu pond … it doesn’t seem to have stopped raining for months! Yet, light and bright within the house! Have a Fun time in Leeds … we are heading to Ilkley over the Christmas … can’t wait to see the moors … and my brother and family! Xx
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Oh, my! Ilkley was wet, wet, wet when we were there. Maybe it saved the dry stuff for you. Fingers crossed. I’ve just skim read your review of Allende. Can’t bear to read more till I have the book! Merry Christmas 🙂
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Wow! I would call that an “over the top” Nativity scene!
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You should see the one in Vila Real de S. Antonio! Bigger, but no ‘snow’. 🙂 🙂
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How special. I love the detail, Jo. And I’m glad you’re not under a blanket of the genuine white stuff. 😉
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Oh, me too, Debbie 🙂 🙂 I just checked the forecast and there’s not even snow in Leeds this Christmas! Wishing you a peaceful one 🙂
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There is so much detail in these scenes Jo. Happy Christmas in advance. ❤
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Thanks, sweetheart! 🙂 🙂 Home for Christmas?
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We’re visiting family in Victoria.
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What a unique Nativity scene! I love it.
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I do too, Lexie 🙂 🙂 Wishing you a merry Christmas! All going well?
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Yes, all good here! Heading to Colorado, where one son lives, for Christmas, and the whole family will be there. 🙂 Have a great one yourself!
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Such an amazing place to be living in or near.. Just love all the activities.. 😉
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It’s a lovely time of year to be here, Lisa. 🙂 🙂 There just doesn’t seem to be the same level of stress.
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This is so beautiful dear Johanna, loved so much. Thank you, have a nice day, Love, nia
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It’s a wonderful part of the festivities here, Nia. Wishing you a very happy Christmas and 2020. 🙂 🙂
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Wow this is so beautiful and captivating, Jo. Loved the whole thing. Thanks for the beautiful share 👌👌👌👌👌
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It’s wonderful the effort they put into this every year, Kamal 🙂 🙂
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Great to hear that Jo.
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This is awesome! I enjoyed this post very much. Thank you.
Have a wonderful day!
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It’s a beautiful village, full of tradition, Sartenada, and I love that about it. 🙂 🙂
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I love these navitty scenes – so much to look at!
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Me too! 🙂 🙂 Merry Christmas!
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You’ve captured this so beautifully Jo. It really puts the naff shopping centre tableaux we see here to shame!
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It’s a Catholic country, where the Nativity still means something, Su. I love that about this place. I couldn’t call myself religious, but it wouldn’t be Christmas for me without my little wooden crib scene beside my tree. 🙂 🙂 I’m sitting in semi-dark now, with just the tree lights and a lovely Arabic light. Merry Christmas to you, darlin!
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I know what you mean. I’m not religious either, but I vastly prefer the traditions around Christmas’s origins to all the horrible commercial rubbish that’s foisted on us.
Merry Christmas to you and yours Jo.
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