The island of Gozo at Christmas time is a very special place to be, and this year, the Christmas in Gozo Committee have once again been preparing a myriad of festivities and special events which will take place in villages across the island.

The activities start this Saturday, the 5th of December and will continue until the 3rd of January 2016.

The official opening of the Christmas festivities in Gozo, is taking place on Saturday, by the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo, who will switch on the Christmas Tree, the lights of Republic Street and various other Christmas illuminations.

The programme of festivities include, Gozo traditions, yuletide food, religious ceremonies, Christmas Markets, Children's Fun Park, Nativity Scenes, static and live Cribs, art exhibitions, choir performances and carol singing, and the highlight of the season, the 'Betlehem f'Ghajnsielem' live crib.

Today, the Minister for Gozo, Dr Anton Refalo today launched the Christmas in Gozo programme of events and said that Gozo will become one large Christmas Village, with a programme designed to bring the spirit of Christmas to the island, and something for all ages to enjoy.Attractions this year also include Pageants, processions, Christmas parades, seasonal activities and cultural festivals, the Minister said.

Maria Farrugia, on behalf of the Christmas in Gozo Committee, explained some of the details of the programme. In addition to the brochure with the programme for Christmas, the public is also encouraged to check out the up to date information on the christmasingozo website and Facebook page.

The Minister gave thanks to the Christmas in Gozo Committee for their work on this year's programme, the various directorates in the Ministry for Gozo who continuously give their support, local business operators in Gozo and the MTA for their support, as well as the Gozitan Local Councils. The Minister for Gozo also visited the Nativity Village – Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem, this year's 7th edition, which opens on Sunday, the 6th of December, was made possible through the organisation of the Ghajnsielem Local Council, the Parish and village entities, including hundreds of local actors.

Dr Refalo said that this Nativity Village attracts thousands of visitors every year, not just locals, but foreign tourists as well.

Earlier this year the Ghajnsielem Local Council for the Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem project was awarded 'The National Enterprise Support Award' and the sum of €14,000 through the programme, 'Strengthening the Business Environment Through Active Social Dialogue.'

The Minister announced that a there will be a new attraction at the Nativity Village this year, where visitors will be able to cross a 30 metre rope bridge leading to the fisherman's boat.

Anton Refalo also said that a delegation from Bethlehem in Palestine will be visiting the island during the Christmas period.

The Minister urged the public to join in the Christmas spirit and attend the many festive events organised for all the family to enjoy across the island of Gozo.

Photographs: MGOZ/George Scerri

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