The Three Kings arrived in Malta today on Air Malta’s flight KM 613 from Rome to participate in the fifth edition of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem, the Gozitan live village setup to narrate the story of Christmas.
200 actors are taking part in this popular yearly event spread over 20,000 square metres in the quaint village of Ghajnsielem. In this nativity village one can see the grotto with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus, vegetable and fish markets, carpenters and blacksmith working, bakeries and even a small river which have been setup as part of this live re-enactment. The work to setup this village took three months.
The three kings, also known as the Magi, are regular figures in traditional accounts of the nativity celebrations of Christmas and are an important part of Christian tradition.
The adoration of the Magi at Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem, which will close this year’s event, will be held on Epiphany, tomorrow Sunday, the 5th of January.
Air Malta supports such initiatives and events as they contribute to the variety of attractions tourists can experience whilst visiting the Maltese islands especially during holiday periods.
Entrance for the event is free. The public is being invited to follow the Adoration of the Magi on Sunday 5th January 2014 by following the schedule below:
9.15am Departure of the Magi from Selmun Tower.
10.15am Arrival at Mellieha’s main square.
10.30am Short re-enactment of the Three Kings in the main square . 11.00am Departure from Mellieha’s main square to Cirkewwa.
2.15 pm Departure from Cirkewwa with Gozo Channel Ferry.
2.45 pm Arrival in Mgarr Harbour, to be met by Minister for Gozo and departure to Ghajnsielem main streets.
The Three wise men will make the triumphant entrance at the nativity village, Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem, at around 4.00pm stopping at the grotto to present gifts to baby Jesus.
This will mark the end of four weekends of animation and months of hard work.
Photo – The Three Kings together with Air Malta’s cockpit and cabin crew of flight KM 613 upon arrival in Malta from Rome. (Photo: Jason Muscat, Capture Me Photography).