the participants, performers and organizers know better than to take themselves too seriously in terms of content: far from being all drama, the encontro incorporates an eclectic and delightful mix of comedy, music and dance as well. 

in december things start heating up, both in terms of the weather and of angra's party schedule.

one of the holiest events, in the calendar of angra dos reis, is the festa de nossa senhora da conceiçăo - translated as the feast of our lady of conception, the celebration is in homage to the patroness of angra dos reis, our lady of conception.

the festivities take place each year on the 8th december, and are kicked off early in the morning, with a big breakfast in the city center, and then continue throughout the day with three services at the parish church.