A traditional Neapolitan crib featuring a collection of 18th century crèche figurines is on display at the Mdina Cathedral.

Set up by Fr Edgar Vella together with a group of volunteers under the technical supervision of Antonio Canone, it portrays a number of scenes, as presented in renowned museums in Italy, Germany, France and America.

A total of 222 figurines in traditional period costumes of the different regions of the kingdom of Carlo III, king of the Bourbons, feature in the Christmas crib. The figurines, being exhibited for the fourth year running, were manufactured and compiled over a period of 25 years.

Apart from the traditional biblical characters, the nativity scene also comprises St Cajetan of Thienes in original vestments as a sign of his legacy in promoting the Neapolitan crib.

The various episodes in this crib include the Mistero, which portrays the nativity of Jesus, together with Mary and Joseph, surmounted by the star of Bethlehem and a myriad of angels. This scene is complemented by the adoration of the shepherds and the Magi, orchestrated with an entourage of exotic oriental characters that add to the opulence of the central episode. A pagan ruined temple symbolises the birth of Christianity.

In another part, an angel is seen giving the good news to the poor shepherds, modelled in an expression of awe and marvel.

The crib seeks to convey a strong message on the perils of materialism through the tavern scene, portraying the inn keepers of Bethlehem who had refused shelter to the holy couple.

A fountain symbolises Christ as the one having the water of life.

A number of significant artists feature too. Pride of place is reserved to Giuseppe Sanmartino, famed for his marble statue of the veiled Christ venerated in the church of San Severo in the old quarters of Naples. Other important figurari are Lorenzo Mosca, Salvatore di Franco, Matteo Bottigliero, and Giuseppe Gori, to mention some.