Basic Information:

Visiting the Pipiripau Nativity Scene (or presépio) is a can't-miss Christmas tradition in Belo Horizonte. The presépio is the lifetime creation of self-taught artist Raimundo Machado de Azevedo (1894-1988).

The 215-square foot attraction features about 580 moving figures in more than 40 scenes that portray not only Christ's birth, but his life, death and resurrection.

Location:

UFMG (Federal University of Minas Gerais) Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden
R.

Gustavo da Silveira 1035
Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais (MG)
(31)3461-5805

Hours:

Open all year except for Jan.1, Tues to Sun, 8a-11:30a and 1p-4p
Open Dec. 24 and 31, 9a-12p
Open Dec. 25, 1p-5p
Note: During the year, the mechanisms for the moving scenes are only turned on during the weekend. During December, they are turned on every day.

Admission:

R$ 3 (about US$1.70)
Free for children 5 and under
Free for senior citizens (65+)

A Brief History:

Minas Gerais-born Raimundo Machado Azevedo began his presépio at his mother's house in 1906, in a shoebox with decorations made from moss and corn silk. He worked on his creation until his death.

Not a full-time artist, Azevedo improved the nativity scene during off hours, using a wide array of disposable materials, such as wiring from an old gramophone for his first moving figures in 1912, as well as his own paintings and crafts.

In 1983, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais purchased the work, which in 1984 was listed by Brazil's Institute for National Artistic and Historical Heritage (IPHAN).