During the festive season, the first edition of In Praesepio – Fil-Maxtura, a live Christmas crib at Dar Dun Franġisk Grima, 37, Racecourse Street, Nadur, was organised by the Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju fin-Nadur with the participation of various dedicated individuals and participants.
The last show will be held today from 3 to 8pm.
The crib is divided in eight sections, each connected to the teachings of Christ and the Bible. The sections feature, in sequence, the prophets, an oven with participants baking bread, the shepherds, a well, a carpentry shop, the crib, the inn and the courtyard of the inn.
About nine couples with their newborns are taking part in the event. The other characters are performed by two alternating groups of around 15 persons each.
The organisers said they were very satisfied with the number of visitors and positive feedback they received, which has encouraged them to develop the project further next year.
The Nadur parish church provided the property where the live crib is set up, while the council, the Gozo Ministry and others all helped to set up the scenes, providing material, costumes, animals and other objects necessary.
Nadur Archpriest Mgr Jimmy Xerri thanked all the participants and collaborators, adding that thanks to the initiative of the members of the Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju fin-Nadur, visitors were able to meditate on the story of Christ’s birth in an atmosphere that took them back to the times of Jesus.
“A 300-year-old structure in Nadur is serving as the background for a live presentation of the birth of Christ. We are able to enter into one scene after another by walking around old rooms, centuries-old courtyards and into the fields surrounding the building,” Mgr Xerri said.
He added that the fact that the actors are a blend of different ages enhances the spirit of community, both among the participants and visitors.
Amanda and Alfred Caruana, representing Mary and Joseph, said: “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we simply couldn’t refuse... it is only this year that our baby girl, Raquel, is the right age to represent Baby Jesus.
“This live crib presented a spiritual niche where, for a short time, we could literally stand in the shoes of the Holy Family... It was a joy to see the wonder in the little children’s eyes as they truly believed that what they saw in front of them were indeed Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus,” they said.
Charles Xuereb, a member of Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju fin-Nadur, who was also dressed as St Joseph, said it was a very peaceful experience for him to be in the carpenter’s shoes and go back to the days when life was not as hectic as it is today.
He said he had received positive comments from all the other participants who are looking forward to taking part again next year.
Nadur councillor Josianne Cutajar said the crib was a peaceful, spiritual experience against a fitting, antique and natural backdrop, which she would recommend to all those who have Christ’s nativity at heart.