“Gozo is ready to host another month of festivities for this joyous period,” said Minister for Gozo Anton Refalo at a news conference during which he launched this year’s Christmas in Gozo programme.

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 on the 3rd of December and will continue until the 8th of January 2017

The Minister explained that the Government continues to invest in further strengthening the Gozitan tourism product for this very important period of the cultural calendar, attracting an influx of thousands of tourists both local and from overseas.

Minister Refalo mentioned that Gozo Channel official statistics show that the number of passengers crossing between the islands in December 2015 was 45,000 more than 2014. This in addition to the fact that the number of vehicles was 15,000 more than 2014. “This clearly shows that the work being done by the Ministry for Gozo during the Christmas period is achieving the desired effect.”

The Christmas in Gozo Committee has organised a programme of festivities which include, Gozo traditions, yuletide food, religious ceremonies, Christmas Markets, events for children, 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.

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.

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.

Attractions will also include events at the Agricultural Village, Pageants, processions, Christmas parades, seasonal activities and cultural festivals,

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 also wished all success to Gozitan artist Manwel Grech, whose traditional crib design was chosen to be on display in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City for this year. The crib was selected after the Cultural Directorate, in collaboration with Heritage Malta published a call last November for the design and construction of an artistic crib.

“This detail is very important for us because it means that the island of Gozo will continue to be internationally recognised,” stated Dr Refalo.

At the end of the conference the artist Noel Debono presented the Minister with a painting which was used this year for activities and advertising related to Christmas in Gozo.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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