Final preparations are taking place at the live nativity village Betleħem f’Għajnsielem at Ta’ Passi fields, Għajnsielem, which will be officially opened on Saturday at 5.30pm by President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

The four-week event, manned by volunteers, seeks to recreate the environment of Bethlehem in Judea, 2,000 years ago. It will be open for a record 16 days, two of which will be dedicated to visits by schoolchildren. Visitors will be able to spend a night in the nativity village, at The Bethlehem Inn, run in collaboration with the Grand Hotel, Għajnsielem.

For the first time, Fort Chambray will feature prominently in the attraction as it will be turned into a Roman fortress, complete with soldiers and horses.

Visitors will also be able to embark on a traditional Maltese boat and cross a small river.

Another innovation will be an interactive smartphone application whereby visitors will be able to listen to a narration of the Nativity story as they walk around the sites of the village.

The event will close with the visit and adoration of the Magi on January 4.

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