The Christmas in Xagħra Society, founded in 2004, organised its annual Christmas crib seminar, which this year focused on the traditional Maltese Nativity figurines (pasturi). George J. Cassar gave a detailed historical account on the art of pasturi which were introduced by the Knights of St John and from nearby Sicily.

Mr Cassar also highlighted the numerous Maltese and Gozitan crib figurines artists.

Archpriest Carmelo Refalo encouraged those present to continue developing this authentic tradition with devotion.

In the second part of the seminar, organised with the support of Xagħra local council, Pawlu Muscat, from Birkirkara, gave a demonstration about his technique when crafting pasturi out of clay. On display were also clay pasturi made by Joe Agius, Lino Fardell and George Cassar.

Society president Can. John Sultana thanked all those present and invited them to visit Xagħra during the Yuletide period where 26 nativity cribs will be on show across the village.

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