From nativity village to family leisure park

Proving to be a main Christmas attraction, the local council hopes the Betlehem f’Għajnsielem site can remain a favourite public spot all year round by creating a leisure park.

“We will be asking the Parliamentary Secretary for Land to pass on the zone known as Ta’ Passi to the council,” Għajnsielem mayor Francis Cauchi said.

The land is administered by the Joint Office within the Government Property Department, which manages property transferred to the state in compliance with an agreement between the Holy See and Malta.

Once the land is transferred, the council plans to apply for the necessary permits to transform the nativity village into a family park while maintaining the village aura, making full use of the site all year through.

“The site has already drawn a substantial amount of people and we don’t plan on changing its structure,” Mr Cauchi said.

Before transforming the site into a nativity scene three years ago, the zone was an abandoned plot of land with a small field which is still being tilled.

The re-enactment included setting up a four-room hotel with each room holding up to five people. Antique furniture and a fire stove helped immerse residents in the festive atmosphere.

Asked if the hotel would remain on site, Mr Cauchi said the structure would only open its doors in December, during the Bethlehem re-enactment.

In taking on a new challenge and making the site safer and greener, the Betlehem f’Għajn-sielem Foundation obtained an environmental management standard certification.

The Gozo Ministry launched a funding scheme for Eco Gozo, where local councils can benefit from a grant of up to €70,000 for projects that enhance the sustainability of the island. Mr Cauchi said the council would apply under the scheme to part-finance the family park. He hopes work on the project can start this year.

The park will then be brought to life with activities held during summer and the Easter break. The mayor said the Christmas crib activity would be promoted abroad to attract tourists during the low-season.