The ninth edition of Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem is opening on Sunday. The Nativity village, which is spread over 20,000 square metres of land seeks to replicate the atmosphere and environs of Bethlehem at the time when Jesus Christ was born over 2,000 years ago.

On entrance, a map is given to all visitors to enhance the overall experience. Attractions include a fisherman’s port, a 30-metre suspended rope bridge which the visitors can cross to take a trip along a ‘river’ on a Maltese boat, as well as a bakery, a blacksmith, a carpenter, a wine tavern, an open-air market and an inn.

Each dwelling is inhabited and animated by families, to remind everyone that Christmas is a celebration of the family. The tavern offers local food and wine.

The main attraction, however, is the grotto, with baby Jesus in the caring hands of Mary assisted by Joseph, with a donkey and a cow close by.

There is also a picnic area while oil lamps will be distributed to those who want to visit Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem by night.

On December 20 and 21, Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem will have two special sessions in the morning which will be animated by the Għajnsielem primary school children. Everyone is welcome.

The event will once again close with a re-enactment of the adoration of the Magi on the feast of the Epiphany, January 7. The Three Kings will depart from Mellieħa at 10am to board the Gozo Channel ferry. They will then depart from Mġarr Harbour at 3pm on horseback to make a triumphal entrance in the Nativity village and pay homage to Baby Jesus.

The event is organised by the Għajnsielem local council, the Ministry for Gozo, Our Lady of Loreto parish church and Għajnsielem NGOs.

Programme

The Nativity village will be open until January 7 but it will be animated with live actors on the following days and times:

December
Sunday, December 10, 2.30-7.30pm
Wednesday, December 13, 2.30-7.30pm
Saturday, December 16, 4.30-8.30pm
Sunday, December 17, 2.30-7.30pm
Wednesday, December 20, 9.30am-noon
Thursday, December 21, 9.30am-noon
Saturday, December 23, 4.30-8.30pm
Sunday, December 24, 2.30-6pm
Monday, December 25, 3.30-8pm
Tuesday, December 26, 2.30-7.30pm
Saturday, December 30, 4.30-8.30pm
Sunday, December 31, 2.30-6pm

January
Monday, January 1, 3.30-8pm
Saturday, January 6, 4.30-8pm
Sunday, January 7, 2-8pm

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