The 11th edition of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem has its official opening to the public this Friday.

The announcement was made by Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana, in collaboration with the Ghajnsielem Local Council.

The unique event attracts thousand of visitors from both home and abroad, to experience the truly magical Nativity Village.

The Minister for Gozo said that Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem is one of the most important events connected with Christmas in the cultural calendar of Gozo.

The Village is spread over 20,000sqm of land, and seeks to replicate, the atmosphere and environs of Bethlehem at the time when Jesus Christ was born over 2000 years ago.

She spoke about the impact the live Nativity Village itself has on promoting Gozo as a Christmas Island, which is becoming internationally recognised.

The Minister said that however, the volunteers and voluntary organisations who participate in this activity are fundamental to its great success, saying that the Ministry for Gozo also offers the necessary support, both financially and in other ways, to assist in this yearly event.

Ghajnsielem Mayor Kevin Cauchi thanked the Minister and the Ministry for Gozo for its support of the Nativity Village, as well as other similar activities over the past years. He also thanked the volunteers who take part in the activity.

The Mayor called for more people to contact the organising committee to offer their services voluntarily for this activity.

Director for Cultural Heritage, Mr John Xuereb said that the Ministry has been and will remain committed to continue strengthening the Gozitan cultural calendar with as many different activities as possible to suit everyones taste.

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 main attraction for visitors to the Nativity Village is of course the Grotto, with the Baby Jesus in the loving arms of Mary and with Joseph by her side.

Following a map, the public can walk around the village and visit the fisherman’s port, a 100 feet suspended rope bridge which they can cross to take a trip along the river on a Maltese boat, as well as the bakery, the blacksmith, carpenter, the wine tavern, farmhouse, the room of scents, open air market and the Bethlehem Inn.

There will also be a Roman Garrison with live reenactments during animation hours.

Bethlehem Ghajnsielem officially opens this Friday, the 13th of December at 3pm and remains open until the arrival of the Magi the 5th of January 2020.

It will only be animated on the following days:

Friday, 13 December 3.00pm – 8.00pm

Saturday, 14 December 4.30pm – 8.00pm

Sunday, 15 December 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Wednesday, 18 December * 9.30am – 12.00pm

Saturday, 21 December 4.30pm – 8.00pm

Sunday, 22 December 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Wednesday 25 December 3.30pm – 8.00pm

Thursday 26 December 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Saturday, 28 December 4.30pm – 8.00pm

Sunday 29 December 2.30pm – 7.30pm

Wednesday, 1 January 3.30pm – 8.00pm

Sunday, 5 January ** 2.00pm – 8.00pm

*animated by the children for the school children and elderly

** Departure of the Three Kings from Malta and Official Closing Ceremony.

Photographs: MGOZ/George Scerri

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