The art of crib making is by now ingrained in our country. At this time of the year, one can find many cribs open to visitors.
One such established crib maker is Franklyn Pace who has been exhibiting his crib for 16 consecutive years, always with a very good feedback from visitors.
The crib is an 18.5 square metres of truly artistic workmanship made of polystyrene and plaster, crafted in Biblical style. As the crib has a totally new layout every year, work on it starts in early summer.
Countless hours of work and dedication result in a magical scene representing the birth of Our Saviour Jesus Christ.
The clay figures featured in the crib are by Lawrence Baldacchino, are custom made following the particular design by the crib maker himself. Though they are static in nature, they are well-positioned to act as animators in this static crib.
Keeping the Biblical theme in mind, he manages to create original and varied scenes year after year. From the background music to the rustic ambience, the setup, the light effects, the vegetation and the lifelike rock formation, all contribute to make this visit a must for all through Christmastime.
Past cribs displayed by Franklyn Pace has won various prizes in the National Crib Competition.
It will be on display at the Circolo San Ġwakkin, 71, Main Street, Birkirkara until January 6, 2019. Opening times are: on weekdays from 5 to 8.15pm and on Sundays and feast days from 9.30am to 12pm and from 5 to 8.15pm. It can also be viewed at other times of day only by appointment by phoning 7920 0291.
The Għaqda Filantropika Talent Mosti is holding a Christmas display at Ir-Razzett tal-Markiż Mallia Tabone, Mosta until January 1. On show there are various cribs taking part in a competition organised by the Malta Council for Art and Culture and other works of art connected with Christmas.
The display is open daily from 5.30 to 8.30pm; on Sundays and public holidays from 9.30am to noon and from 5.30 to 8.30pm.
For more information visit www.talentmosti.com; Facebook: Razzett tal-Markiż.
Carmelo Camenzuli is putting up a crib measuring 2.5 by 3.4 metres with light and water effects at 134, ‘Redentur’ Garage, Ġlormu Cassar Street, Mosta. The exhibition is open till January 3, between 5.30 and 8.30pm on weekdays and 10.30am till noon and 5.30 to 8.30pm on Saturdays and 10.30am till noon and 4 to 8.30pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Some 30 Christmas cribs mounted by Rosalino and Ignatius Saliba are on display at ‘La Rosa Mansions’, Garage C, Good Shepherd Avenue, Balzan (a few paces down from San Anton Gardens).
The cribs, in different sizes, are made with different material such as polystyrene, cork and other materials.
The display is open until January 2 on weekdays between 5 and 8pm and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays also from 10 a.m. to noon. Entrance is free.
Those who wish to organise a group visit at a different time should call the Salibas on 7904 8875.
‘La Rosa Mansions’, Garage C, Good Shepherd Avenue, Balzan, until January 6, Monday to Friday between 5 and 8pm, and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10am to noon and from 5 to 8pm.