The Portuguese Association of Maui is holding its annual Festa (festival) at Heritage Hall, 401 Baldwin Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 in Paia. Admission is free.

According to organizer’s, the theme is an old fashioned Portuguese Christmas with a Lapinha (Christmas nativity scene) in the Madeiran style. The nativity scene features the traditional figures of the Christ Child, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, animals and the Three Kings, surrounded by growing wheat, fruits, nuts and candies.

Free Portuguese bean soup with bread will be offered to everyone attending. This is an old custom called “paz às almas” (peace to the souls of departed loved ones).

A bisca demonstration is on the agenda. Bisca was a popular card game between 1920 and 1950. Portuguese Christmas music will be playing and storytelling will take place at 2 p.m.

There will be items for sale from Portugal, including the popular Portuguese Roosters. A children’s corner features paper Portuguese roosters for coloring with crayons provided. Maui-made goodies will also be on sale, including baked goods, pickled onions and lupin beans (tremoços). Coffee mugs labeled Grandma and Grandpa in Portuguese are among the newest attractions.

The annual Festas are intended to preserve the history and traditional practices Portuguese immigrants to Hawai’i brought with them. For information, call (808) 243-0065.