With the lighting of the Christmas Tree, the Christmas season begins in Largo de São Sebastião

Manaus (AM) – The night of this past Friday (08) was complete at Largo de São Sebastião with the realization of the moment most awaited by the public: the lighting of the Christmas tree. Marked by great premieres, the “Enchanted World of Christmas” program, promoted by the Government of Amazonas, through the Secretariat of Culture and Creative Economy, also included musical performances.

On the occasion, the Secretary of Culture and Creative Economy, Marcos Apolo Muniz, highlighted the new features of the program that expand opportunities for families to visit the space, and detailed the design of the Christmas tree, which this year is shaped by great technology of Christmas lights and elements.

“We are using a very technological concept above all else, different from anything we have ever done. Another new feature is the nativity scene exhibition taking place at Casa das Artes. We have the nativity scene here in front of the Theater, which received the blessing of Bishop D. Leonardo, who came by personally and gave this blessing. And, in this way, we continue with the activities, with many artists performing and a wide program until January 6th”, highlighted Marcos Apolo.

The person who was eager to see the complete decoration was housewife Gleiciane Pimenta, who took advantage of the moment to walk with her family in Largo. “It’s the second time I’ve been here and this year the decoration is even more beautiful. Today I took the opportunity to bring the whole family,” she said.

A night of hope

A first for Casa das Artes, the Nativity Scene Exhibition “A Night of Hope” won the admiration of the public. The exhibition that celebrates the 800th anniversary of the creation of the nativity scene, by Saint Francis of Assisi, set up in 1223, in the city of Greccio, Italy, is the result of a partnership between the Secretariat of Culture, the Custody of the Friars Minor Capuchin of Amazonas and Roraima and the Capuchin Museum.

For Friar Raul Falcon, coordinator of the Capuchin Museum, the partnership is a marriage that took place at a very special moment. “Here we have several expressions, several nativity scenes by various artists too, which will portray the incarnation of the Word, but in a plastic way, which we call, through works of art. And that’s why we held this special celebration, which is so important for us Franciscans,” he emphasized.

Featuring 45 works from a nativity scene competition, in addition to the collections of the Centro Cultural Povos da Amazônia and the Church of São Sebastião, the exhibition enchanted public servant Neia Souza, who came from Rio Preto da Eva (138 kilometers from Manaus) to honor the program. “I was amazed because of the pieces that are old, but still in operation, and because they are not from here. So, the entire exhibition attracts attention, from the tiny pieces of paper, to the most varied works of ancient art. It’s very beautiful”, declared Neia.

A spectacle of enchantments

On the stage of Teatro Amazonas, the curtains opened for the start of the season of the show “The Nutcracker and the Enchanted Kingdom of Sweets”. The production is performed by the cast of Ballet Álvaro Gonçalves, accompanied by the Amazonas Philharmonic, Guitar Orchestra, Madrigal do Amazonas, Balé Folclórica and Coral do Amazonas.

With free access, through online scheduling, the presentation captured the audience’s attention, moving everyone present.

“It’s always great to watch the shows at Teatro Amazonas. Especially Christmas ones. Every year they surpass themselves. The children are extremely anxious for this moment,”

reported housewife Suki, who took her 9-year-old daughter to watch the show.

Little Gabriele, who is visually impaired, is a regular at shows at Teatro Amazonas and loved the attraction. According to Jéssica, Gabriele’s mother, the accessibility of the place makes the experience equally enchanting. “It’s great to go to a place like this where people care about your needs. It means a lot to us”, declared the child’s mother, who was able to enjoy the “Nutcracker” with the help of audio description.

Registration for the presentations from 13 to 17/12 will open next Monday (11/12), on the Culture Portal (cultura.am.gov.br). The complete program of Mundo Encantado do Natal can be found by accessing the QR Code signposted in Largo de São Sebastião, at the link
and on social media @culturadoam.

*With information from consultancy

Read more:

9th Christmas Parade in the Center of Manaus is canceled due to rain

Churches in Manaus host special ‘Mundo Encantado Natal’ concert

The Christmas season begins at Largo de São Sebastião, in Manaus; see schedule