Be the first to comment!Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem cancelled in view of current circumstances
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The Ghajnsielem Local Council has said that sadly it is announcing that the remaining animation days of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem 2021 will be cancelled.
In a statement, the Council said that this decision has been made in view of the current circumstances in connection with the high increase of new Covid-19 cases, and in view of the new restrictions which have been announced by the Health authorities.
”We are doing so with a heavy heart especially when considering the great efforts and the endless time of preparations to make this event happen. However we put the actor’s (a number of whom are in quarantine) and visitors’ health as a priority.” the Council said.
The Council stated ”whilst urging all of you to stay safe and take care of each other, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.”
In a separate statement on social media Ghajnsielem Mayor Kevin Cauchi said that, cancelling Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem was certainly not an easy decision.
”This edition was the fruit of a collective effort by many. In just a month with the help of the Ministry for Gozo many structures were changed, whilst a lot of cleaning and maintenance work took place,” he said.
He explained that due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the logistic works were huge… the online booking, route planning, security, ushers, actors, light systems, the animals etc.
”We opened just a couple of times and unfortunately we had to close due to high numbers related to the Covid-19 pandemic. We always knew the risk was there.”
Mayor Cauchi said that, ”however I do not regret the decision to open this year’s edition. The simple fact that we managed to open in the midst of a pandemic gave a sense of normality to many including our NGOs, volunteers and actors.”
”Ta’ Passi fields was given a new life and as a Council we will ensure that it is kept in this state throughout the whole year. I believe that if this edition never took place, there was a risk that Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem never returns to our cultural calendar.”
Cauchi added, ”I look forward to the day when Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem welcomes the thousands of visitors on a daily basis, all looking to experience the greatest story ever told… that of the Nativity!”
