Christmas in Rio Maior
Salt nativity scenes, Christmas tent, ice ring, inflatables and shows
The Rio Maior City Hall is once again betting on activities for the whole family, with great emphasis on the village of Marinhas de Sal and its Salt Nativity Scenes.
This year, with the event “Natal Rio Maior”, taking place in the city centre, there will be music, animation, an ice rink and a Christmas market. The Christmas Train will link the two initiatives.
The Salt Nativity Scenes are back in Rio Maior. There are 41 nativity scenes, of the most varied sizes, that will give a new life to the village of Marinhas do Sal, from November 23 until January 5. In addition to this great event, the 2024 edition of Natal in Rio Maior, organized by the City Council, will also feature the “Natal Rio Maior” initiative, taking place in the centre of the city until January 6, and which will have an ice rink, inflatable, a ramp of buoys, carousels, among other activities for children and families. Admission is free at both events.
“Every year, thousands of people go to the Salinas de Rio Maior – the only indoor salt works in full operation throughout Europe – to enjoy the Salt Nativity Scenes, pieces made by local artisans and merchants who use this materialpress there to create unique works in the country. And this, being the main one, is just one of the many attractions of our Christmas celebrations. The City Hall will provide various entertainment equipment and activities in both the Salt Marine, as well as in the centre of the city so that everyone – and especially younger – can live the spirit of Christmas in Rio Maior”, says the Mayor, Filipe Santana Dias.
The opening of the Christmas celebrations is scheduled for November 23 (Saturday), at 6 pm, in Praça da República, and will have the presence of the President and councillors of the Rio Maior City Hall. The event will have fireworks, performances of the St. Dominics Gospel Choir and the Christmas Band and several Christmas characters, which will be followed by a visit to both initiatives.
Christmas Tent, Christmas Train and Enchanted Valley Maze
The Municipal Garden of Rio Maior will concentrate much of the entertainment equipment. On site will be the Christmas Tent, with an ice rink, inflatables, a ramp of buoys and a Christmas market – with several stalls linked to local crafts -, as well as carousels, installed next to the structure.
In the celebrations could not miss the House of Santa Claus: there will be one in the Square of Commerce, in the city of Rio Maior, and another in the village of Marinhas do Sal.
The traditional Christmas Train will facilitate the movement through the various points of attraction, since it will connect the city and the Salinas de Rio Maior, with stops in Parque Rio, where the largest Christmas tree in the city is; in the Municipal Garden; and next to Praça da República, where the Christmas Tunnel is located.
The Salt Nativity Scenes can be seen in the various shops of the village and in some places around it, especially the large nativity scenes, built with several tons of salt: one from the Rio Maior City Hall, one from the Cooperative of Salt Producers and another from the Salt Shop.
The event also has the Labyrinth of the Enchanted Valley, where young and old can circulate in this space allusive to a village of gnomes.
Christmas in all the parishes of Rio Maior
This year, the Rio Maior City Hall returns to bring Christmas to all the Parishes of the County. With the initiative “Circulating Christmas”, the play Natal às Avessas, dedicated to children, will reach 13 spaces of shows.
Also in the context of these celebrations, the “Christmas Route” contest is challenging the people of Rio de Janeiro to decorate their homes and commercial spaces, awarding the five most creative Christmas decorations. The winners will be announced between 26 and 30 December.
Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the conditions of access, confirmation of the date or time, ticket place of sale, price, and availability.
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