Nazaré's Christmas Kickoff: A Spectacular Celebration Despite the Rain

Nazaré's Festive Spirit Shines Through Rain

This Sunday marked the official start of 'the Fest' in the churches of the region, with a traditional Mass held at the Nazaré Church. The event drew a remarkable turnout of faithful and military personnel, showcasing the community's spirit despite the morning rain.

The Mass, dedicated to military personnel, was presided over by Bishop D. Nuno Brás, and the attendance was so high that the church was filled to capacity. The Regimento de Guarnição n.º 3 (RG3), located near the parish, added a significant military presence to the celebration.

The Mass/concert was enhanced by the performance of the Madeira Military Band, which accompanied the parish choir with religious hymns and Christmas songs, creating a festive atmosphere during the almost 90-minute celebration.

Among the hundreds present, notable figures included José Manuel Rodrigues, the President of the Legislative Assembly of Madeira, alongside key military and security officials.

In contrast to other parishes, the event concluded without the usual popular festivities in the church courtyard. Instead, attendees enjoyed traditional snacks provided by the Army, including cacao and vine-marinated meat sandwiches. The crowd was invited to the parish auditorium, continuing the celebration into the early morning hours with traditional delicacies of the Fest.