The tradition of crib making in Malta dates back to the early 17th century when merchants and nobles used to buy nativity scenes from Naples or Sicily.

The cribs produced today in Malta are varied and made up of a combination of material. Some cribs have mechanised figurines that animate the cribs. The main theme surrounding the nativity scene is typically rural and depicts daily life of olden centuries.
 
Innumerable self-made craftsmen love to exhibit cribs in their own home, while others opt to go for something bigger.

The Malta Tourism Authority is once again organising the Cribs and Christmas Art Exhibition at the Auberge d’Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta.

During the exhibition, a number of cribs and a variety of artistic objects will be on display side by side with colourful floral decorations, all of which will be related to the nativity theme. As in the past editions of the exhibition, some of the items on display will come across as a surprise, since the works of art will have been created using unusual materials and extraordinary creativity.
   
The exhibition is open almost daily from December 16 until January 6. The days when the exhibition will not be open are December 25, 26 and January 1, 2. Opening hours for visitors are Monday to Friday from 9.00am till 6:00pm, on Saturday from 9:00am till 4:00pm and on Sunday, from 9:00am till 12:30pm.

For more information, please call on 2291 5440/1.