Duriense Nativity

News published in Real Gazeta Invicta, on 2 December 1920

It is not the sad – albeit justified – war that haunts our Kingdom that prevents us from celebrating the birth of Our Lord made flesh. In this year of 1920, it is with joy and delight that we see creativity blossom amid the fields of technology. As original as ‘duriense’ (evoking the Douro region), these red clay nativity scenes have caused a sensation among the best families in society and are coveted by those who have not yet had the opportunity to obtain one. What good fortune will the birth of the Redeemer, seated in a ‘rabelo’ boat, symbolise? What beauty, what patriotism, what devotion there is in seeing Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary, with the Child in her arms, surrounded by the vines that mark our vineyards, if not the grapes themselves?

An enormous cheer to Alexandre Olaria, the renowned craftsman who, once again, proved that his craftsmanship is above that of others.