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The President with the children

Official opening of Christmas Tree and Cribs in the Palace of Belém

The President of the Republic and Mrs. Cavaco Silva attended the inaugural act of the Christmas Tree and Crib Exhibition in the Palace of Belém, and invited the children of the members of the armed forces and security agents detached in missions abroad to view the show.

The ceremony commenced with a performance of the Student Choir of the National Conservatory, which was followed by the opening of the exhibition of Traditional Portuguese Cribs, “Christmas in Portuguese”, now open to the public in the “Pátio dos Bichos” Cage Gallery.

Later on, in the Hall of Fountains, with the presence of their guests, the President and Mrs. Cavaco Silva watched the performance of the Army Chamber Orchestra, after which the Christmas Tree, decorated by the Students of the Higher School of Decorative Arts (ESAD), of the Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva Foundation, was placed on show.

The musical band “Perfume” gave a performance prior to the traditional distribution of Christmas gifts to the children, after which tea party was held for them and their families.

President Cavaco Silva also had the occasion of officially opening, in the Palace Gallery, the Exhibition of Old Paintings “Nativities” and of Mechanized Cribs.