Rejoice and be glad

Organised by the Xaghra Local Council, Gaude et Lætere (rejoice and be glad) is the 13th edition of the Christmas concert held at the Basilica of Maria Bambina in Xaghra. 

The people of Xaghra have a special admiration for Christmas and this can be seen in the fact that many artists and amateurs build a crib and open their doors to invite the general public for a visit. One of the most popular cribs in Xaghra is that built by the male members of MUSEUM. This group of laymen were the first in Gozo to build a mechanical crib, with nativity figures, animals, angels and stars moving while the nativity recount proceeds with background music.

The Xaghra Local Council encourages such traditions and supports new activities which include various exhibitions of Christmas decorations and demonstrations of traditional food-preparations for Christmas.

Another popular Christmas event in Xaghra is the concert of Christmas carols – the Mayor and councillors have assigned Schola Cantorum Jubilate to organise this annual event.

Schola Cantorum Jubilate, an established youth choir whose choristers hail mainly from Xaghra, will be accompanied by the Cordia String Quartet and members from the Jubilate Chamber Ensemble. They will be directed by young director Marouska Attard.

Gaude et Lætere will be held on Wednesday, December 28 at 7:00pm at the Basilica of Maria Bambina in Xaghra. This concert is being held in collaboration with the Most Reverend Archpriest and Chapter of the Basilica.

During the concert, a collection in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund will be held.

For more information visit www.scjchoir.com or www.xaghra.com