Following weeks of hard work by the many volunteers who worked on this very popular Nativity Village, the ninth edition of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem has its official opening this coming Sunday, the 10th of December at 3.30pm and remains open until Sunday, the 7th of January 2018.

The Organising Committee made up of the Ghajnsielem Local Council, the Ministry for Gozo, the Parish Our Lady of Loreto and Ghajnsielem NGOs, has for the past months met to prepare for this popular annual Christmas event.

The Nativity Village, which is spread of 20,000sqm of land seeks to replicate, the atmosphere and environs of Bethlehem at the time when Jesus Christ was born over 2000 years ago, and attracts thousand of visitors from both home and abroad, to experience a truly magical event.On entrance, a map is given to all visitors to enhance the overall experience. The main attraction is the grotto, with baby Jesus in the caring hands of Mary assisted by Joseph, with a donkey and a cow close by.

Attractions include at fisherman’s port, a 100 feet suspended rope bridge which the visitors can cross to take a trip along the river on a Maltese boat, as well as the bakery, the blacksmith, carpenter, the wine tavern, open air market and the Inn.

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

A picnic area will offer the unique surroundings for a family outing on Sundays while oil lamps will be distributed for those who want to visit Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem by night. Fresh water will be flowing along these structures through a small stream with various water features,

The organisers said that although the nativity village is always open, it will only be animated with live actors on the following days and times:

DECEMBER 2017

Sunday 10th 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Wednesday 13th 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Saturday 16th 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Sunday 17th 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Wednesday 20th* 9.30am – 12.00pm*

Thursday 21st* 9.30am – 12.00pm*

Saturday 23rd 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Sunday 24th 2.30pm – 6.00pm

Monday 25th 3.30pm – 8.00pm

Tuesday 26th 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Saturday 30th 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Sunday 31st 2.30pm – 6.00pm

JANUARY 2018

Monday 1st 3. 30pm – 8.00pm

Saturday 6th 4.30pm – 8.00pm

Sunday 7th** 2.00pm – 8.00pm**

* On 20th and 21st December, Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem will open two special sessions in the morning which will be animated by the Ghajnsielem Primary School children. Everyone is welcome.

** Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem will once again close with the Adoration of The Magi on the Feast of Epiphany, Sunday 7th January.

The Three Kings will depart from Mellieha at 10.00am and catch the Gozo Channel ferry afternoon.

They will then depart form Mgarr Harbour at 3.00pm on horseback to make the triumphal entrance in Bethlehem and pay homage to Baby Jesus.

— Should the weather not permit, the organisers reserve the right to cancel the animation

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