Christmas in prison

What looks like a normal holiday concert at first is anything but. The women in Santa costumes are actually inmates at the Nelson Hungria prison in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Each year, they put on a Christmas celebration that includes religious plays like this one.

The hundreds of female inmates at Nelson Hungria compete with each other to see whose cell has the most beautiful Christmas decorations. It's not an individual effort but a group project, since up to 50 women share one cell in the prison that's part of the sprawling Bangu penitentiary complex.

Decorating is not the only discipline in the annual Christmas competition. Many of the inmates also dress up in an effort to win Best Costume. This young woman went for a Christmas elf look. Prison officials have said that the event helps the women bond.

For the decorations and costumes, like this Mrs. Claus dress, the women use whatever material they can get their hands on: empty soda bottles, tissue paper and styrofoam, to name a few.

The stars, the tree, the hats - Christmas spirit can be achieved even in a crowded cell. Conditions in many other Brazilian prisons are worse, and not just for the lack of decorations. Human rights activists have blasted inhumane conditions like overcrowded cells, unbearable stenches and roach infestations.

The inmates at Nelson Hungria serve time for crimes ranging from burglary to homicide. The annual Christmas competition and celebration is something to look forward to for the many women who don't receveive any visitors over the holidays.

Directors from other prisons come in to judge the competition. The winners score prizes ranging from name-brand hair products to stationary fans and flat-screen TVs. The celebration still ends like every other day at Nelson Hungria, though: with a heavy door falling shut, locking the prisoners in.