THE NIGHT AFTER CHRISTMAS . . .

'Twas the Night AFTER Christmas

And all through the town

EVERY person was stirring -

Even a clown!

We took our evening walk last night and the historic area was jumping!

Outside A Brasileira, a popular cafe

The clown. 

Does Braga ever sleep? Everywhere was so lively. Shoppers, tourists, locals, families . . . Luckily, it wasn't raining, so the outdoor tables were packed, and there were few empty tables inside cafes and restaurants. This city comes alive at the drop of a hat!

I love the Christimas lights in all the main streets. These are along Rua do Souto, a major shopping street with cafes and stores and often street musicians, although we didn't see/hear anyone last night. The beautifull young dog you see in one picture is a Czech wolf! We had a chat with the owners. He's very friendly, has a really sweet disposition.

 

 

Later in our walk, we went to a café bar we like for a glass of wine - Patio da Sé. (Outside, the patio/pedestrianized street dead-ends into the Sé Catedral, a national monument). That place was packed, too, both downstairs and upstairs, where we found a table.

Our Christmas this year was on the quiet side, although on the 26th and yesterday (Boxing Day), thanks to the wonders of WhatsApp, we were able to talk to relatives and godfamily in the US and India. Earlier in the week we met with our "Portuguese family" and other friends here, which made for a contentful season in our new home.

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, wherever you are, and will have a wonderful 2023, full of peace and happiness and all good things. If you are in the U.S., I hope you are out of the path of storms that have been sweeping through America on the east coast and midwest.

Take care, and let me know how you are.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Wishing you all a happy Christmas season and/or whatever other holidays you celebrate instead. 

In Braga (and all over Portugal), the wish is Feliz Natal e Feliz Ano Novo, or Boas Festas (Good Holidays.)

Here are a few shares from the main plaza areas to brighten your week.

     

This is the main Praça República tree

Yes, a street full of Santas my husband saw on his walk.

And the university students, who are not in classes during this time, form groups called "tunas" that put on little performances around the historic area. Enjoy

May your days be full of love and peace and happiness, and may the new year bring more peace in the world, which we greatly need at this time. 

See you all after the 25th.

With love and hope, Elizabeth

Meanwhile, Now That We're Back In Braga . . ..

 It's wonderful to be here. The Christmas season is upon us, and it's being celebrated brilliantly (i.e., with lot's of lights and window displays.)

Roasted chestnuts on
a cold night. 

The tree at Praça República 

Closer to the tree. Isn't it 
beautiful? 

These two pics were part of the same window display

I have always liked window displays, miniatures, and animated scenes. All these little scenes were animated. I was entranced. 

Then last evening we were doing one of our walk-abouts — in the rain, no less — and the rain didn't seem to daunt anyone else, either. Rain or shine, tourist come and locals turn out to shop and then have a drink or a bite in one of the many cafés, bars, and restaurants. 

 

And on a previous afternoon, when it wasn't raining, so many were sitting at outside tables and some were eating ice cream cones. But it is amazing: What once would have struck me as weather too cold to get out and about in now seems just . . . invigorating. 

But never too cold for a parade! In Braga, any time is a time to celebrate, and there is a fabulous drumming group that comes out for all these celebration. We followed them around for a while, and what struck me was how musical drums can be. They even seemed to change key at times. I got only a photo or two and one short video, but you can see the little girl skip-dancing to the beat as the crowd follows the drummers around the corner. 

The drummers and 
crowd. 

I have to confess, Christmas is my favorite holiday, and the Christmas season is my favorite time of the year. (Well, I love fall - which is also very beautiful here): 

How about you? Do you like animated miniatures? What is your favorite holiday and season?