Portugal’s Castro Marim, known for salt as long ago as Roman times, is making itself known for an unusual art form as well: A Nativity scene that’s made from three tons of local salt. The Algarve town is in the extreme southeast corner of the country
The scene will be on exhibit until February 6, with local artisans working on more salty creations in the space around it; one of the goals is to encourage young people to take up and extend traditional crafts, according to sponsors.
Another goal is to promote Castro Marim’s salt itself. After a period in which the town’s salt industry nearly ended under competition from cheaper industrial sources, it has reclaimed its name for high-quality sea salt and especially the highly-prized ‘fleur de sel.’
Very interesting!