A Nativity Village, Betleħem f'Għajnsielem, was opened by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi last Sunday.

Mayor Francis Cauchi and project manager Franco Ciangura took Dr and Ms Gonzi around the village featuring the bakery manned by Frank and Lorietta Buttigieg, the carpenter's house animated by Karmnu Xuereb's family and the nearby blacksmith's run by Guzi Mallia and Frans Buttigieg.

They then visited the shepherd's cave and the fruit and vegetable market manned by the Franciscan community and led by Br Lorry Zerafa.

The final stop was at the Nativity grotto. Besides the various animals milling around and actors carrying oil lamps, this year the scene was given an authentic look with the construction of a spring that ends in a waterfall.

The village is open daily until January 3. It is animated on weekends and public holidays.

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