much of the merriment in the carioca calendar revolves around the celebration of christmas and the surrounding cycle of the nativity, which runs from the 24th of december to the 20th of january.

the nativity begins in rio with a midnight mass celebrated in catholic churches across the city and a popular tradition for both, churches and private homes, is the construction of cribs, in preparation for the arrival of the baby jesus. following the christmas celebration itself, comes the dia dos santos reis, which commemorates the visitation of jesus by the three kings.