The sixth edition of Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem was inaugurated on December 6 by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

Following weeks of hard work by the many volunteers, this very popular event marked the start of Christmas in Gozo.

The inauguration included a musical concert by the St Joseph Band followed by a pageantry entrance by the actors who are animating the Nativity Village.

The pageant seeks to replicate, in a live manner, the atmosphere and environs of Bethlehem at the time when Jesus was born.

Canon Joe Cardona blessed the four-week event. The President, together with the Minister for Gozo Anton Refalo, Parliamentary Secretary for Local Councils Stefan Buontempo, mayor Francis Cauchi, project manager Franco Ciangura and Christmas in Gozo chairman Joe Mifsud toured the village.

The attractions in the Nativity Village include a carpenter’s shop, the blacksmith, the baker, the tavern and vegetable market, weaver, the craft market, and fields with the shepherds and animals.

Fort Chambray is for the first time featuring prominently in the Nativity Village story, and has been turned into a Roman fortress with soldiers and horses.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to embark on a small river crossing using a traditional Maltese boat. There will also be an interactive smartphone application narrating the Nativity story as visitors walk around the sites of the village.

The opening hours for the animation today are from 2.30 to 7.30pm.