Do you know that? At “Casa da Calçada”, today the “Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas”, it was not a tradition to set up the Christmas tree? Although there is no Christmas tree, Dr. Frederico de Freitas strictly assumed the traditional festivities of the season. The great cleaning works carried out left the wood, the metals, the glass and the crystals to shine.

Intense smells emanated from the waxed floors, vegetables, flowers and delicacies that were prepared in the kitchen. Delicious recipes were savored at the dinner and tea tables adorned with the best dishes, crystals and embroidery. The Christmas cribs were displayed in the various spaces. In the Winter Garden, there was a large rock crib and the distribution of gifts among the children of the family was a tradition on Kings Day, January 6.

These are the memories that “Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas” seeks to preserve and celebrate, providing a journey that values ​​the collection linked to Christmas. The goal is, year after year, to surprise and please. Special mention should be made to the large armed rock crib, as in the old days, in the Winter Garden. Made with the image of the island, it features hills, staggered on terraces, torn by water lines and filled with vegetation. The religious characters unfold in scenes that narrate Jesus childhood and live with regional figures, busy in their daily chores. All converge to the cave that houses the Birth scene, the main core of the composition.

The visit to the cribs at the “Casa-Museu Frederico de Freitas” is free, until January 18, from Tuesday to Saturday, between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm.

Credits: 600 Years of Madeira and Porto Santo