Traditional cribs and the skills required to make them, are the themes of the cultural tour which will be held on Sunday 15 December. Led by professional guides, participants will visit various cribs in different localities in Malta, some of which are taking part in the National Crib competition.

From Maltese to Neapolitan and from mechanical to contemporary, a variety of styles will be showcased. The tour will also include a visit to the Baby Jesus Museum - or the Mużew tal-Bambini - which houses a collection of over 1,500 baby Jesus statues, the oldest of which dates back to 1730. Among the collection is a baby Jesus made of bulls’ horns, statues with human hair – even the baby Jesus which belonged to St George Preca. The collection also includes baby Jesus statues from various countries, including the famous Baby Jesus of the thorn from Peru.

Organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, these monthly cultural tours have now become a part of the calendar of events which are followed by many participants who want to increase their knowledge of our Maltese heritage.

Departure will be from near a leading hotel in Floriana at 8.45am.  Tickets sell for €12 for adults and €10 for the elderly and children.

Booking closes at noon on Wednesday 11 December 2013 or earlier if the tour is fully booked. Tickets may be purchased from the offices of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts at 230 Republic Street, Valletta (further down from St George’s Square) from Monday to Friday between 8.30am  and 3.30pm.  For further information please telephone on 2123 2515 or 2124 5168.  You may also contact us through email noel.damato@maltaculture.com or visit our website www.maltaculture.com