the largest and most intricate of these make up the festival de presépios, one of the largest open-air exhibition of nativity scenes in the world.    

the nativity scenes on display are the work of an ever-rotating cast of local and internationally recognized artists who create their homage to the birth of christ from bronze, concrete, rope and wire, and even recycled materials.  

the festival conducts tours and voting for the most popular and impressive nativity scene, and the winner is crowned at the end of the christmas season.