The nativity scenes on the island of São Miguel are famous for their size and complexity, often filling entire rooms, churches, or public spaces, and representing a strong cultural and religious tradition deeply rooted in the community. Built and expanded over generations, they include hundreds, or even thousands, of figures, mostly made of clay, depicting scenes of daily life, customs, trades, popular festivals, and iconic buildings — and sometimes geographical landscapes of the island itself — thus becoming a living representation of local culture and identity.

Brunch na vaga #5 — Brunch fora de tempo pays homage to this tradition, with the support of the Achadinha Parish Council, through the loan of the houses from its nativity scene. The houses, created by José Medeiros, are exact replicas of the houses in the parish of Achadinha and are on display at Casa João de Melo.

Next Saturday, we’ll gather around the table with food prepared by the vaga team, and the Os Convidados Collective will perform their original recipe: regional music reimagined without restraint, fused with Latin rhythms, pop, funaná, disco, and a Zumba vibe.