The Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem Nativity Village has reopened its doors to the public. The ceremony was performed by the President of Malta Dr George Vella, Minister for Gozo Dr Justyne Caruana and Ghajnsielem Mayor Kevin Cauchi, with the Local Council of Ghajnsielem.
The unique event has been taking place for eleven years and attracts thousand of visitors from both home and abroad, to experience the truly magical Nativity Village.
Dr Caruana said that the Ministry for Gozo is determined to continue to give all possible support towards this important event on the Gozo Christmas calender.
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.
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:
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/Terry Camilleri
1 Comment To "Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem Nativity Village welcomes its first visitors"
#1 Comment By Nigel Goodman On December 15, 2019 @ 6:34 pm
Wonderful. Such a gentle instructive lead up to the birth.Whether you accept the event or not well worth a visit. I used to holiday in Gozo each year from the UK now cannot due to illness always regret not visiting.