Cribs worth visiting

On Christmas Day I visited crib exhibitions all over the island. Naturally I did not miss the ones at my home town, Mosta.

The one that attracted me the most was that at Ir-Razzett tal-Markis. This so-called farmhouse dates back to the 17th century and used to belong to Marquis Mallia Tabone, who used it as a stopover when he went hunting. I recall this well as when I was still a child he would sometimes take me with him. At that time he was our neighbour.

This "razzett" was taken over in 1983 by a philanthropic group called Ghaqda Filantropika Talent Mosti. There they hold cultural events such as exhibitions, concerts and literary evenings throughout the year, with the funds raised going towards humanitarian purposes. During the festive period they are holding an exhibition of about 30 cribs, each built with different materials. Suffice it to say that one of these cribs is masterly, built with leftovers of pieces of Mdina glass. Then there is the bigger crib which in fact is not big at all. It looks large only because reflection mirrors are placed within, rendering it as big as a whole room. One has to see it to appreciate it.

Ir-Razzett is run by my friend Joe Bartolo who is in charge of holding these exhibitions. Praise also goes to all its members especially the one who built the "big" crib. To visit this place is a must and I urge readers to do so.