Christmas
Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem by Paul Grech
With Christmas fast approaching what can be more exciting then planning your visit to Gozo to
major crib exhibition during Christmas and in many there are even live ones, with actors taking on the roles of the main protagonists in the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Whilst most of these are impressive, none can match the one at Ghajnsielem
experience the meaning of Christmas... for sheer size and ambition. For one thing the whole village is on a stretch of land that measures 20,000 square metres. Which, let me tell you, is huge.
What is It? Up till 2008, the Ta’ Passi fields on the outskirts of Ghajnsielem lay abandoned with the accumulating refuse creating an eyesore. Then, in the space of a few weeks, these fields were cleared of rubbish and in their place rose a life size replica of Bethlehem village imagined in the style of a crib. This village comes to life in the weeks leading to Christmas with around one hundred volunteers dressing up as villagers, shepherds, Roman legionnaires and the Holy Family. Why Go There? There is barely a town in Malta where there isn’t at least one
Naturally, the main attraction has to be the grotto with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus but there is so much more to see. There is, for instance, a wide variety of animals that includes cows, donkeys, sheep and chickens that are always a hit with children. Then there are the carpenter’s and blacksmith’s houses, the bakery, a market selling fresh fruit and a wine tavern. There is even an inn where those willing to do so can pay to stay overnight on the site in rooms that have been styled to resemble those around the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. All visitors will be given a map of the village and a children’s quiz book whilst thousands of cypress tree seeds will be distributed to visitors in collaboration with Eco-Gozo and Hands-on Farming. Whilst a trip to Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem is always a thoroughly enjoyable experience, we do recommend doing so on Saturday nights where the bonfires and oil lamps that are lit up add to the ambience. How to Get There? Visitors can choose to leave their car at Cirkewwa Terminal and walk up to the crib from Mgarr Harbour. To who do so however, have to be warned that the walk is a steep, albeit short, one. Alternatively, one can park in the Ghajnsielem centre and walk down to the entrance. No bookings are required and entrance to Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem is free. Further information can be found by looking at the official site at http:// www.ghajnsielem.com/bethlehem/.
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Growing Up in Malta Winter 2011 - Issue