Stqarrija bil-Malti Agħfas Hawn / Press Release in Maltese Click Here
A Christmas crib exhibition which is a joint collaboration between Heritage Malta and Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepji Għawdex-Malta has been launched at the Grand Master’s Palace, under the auspices of His Excellency George Vella, President of Malta, who inaugurated it.
Titled The Crib’s Journey with St Francis, this exhibition forms part of a string of initiatives around the globe, organised by the International Friends of the Crib Federation, celebrating the 800th anniversary since the first crib was created by St Francis in Greccio, Italy. Works by Maltese and foreign arists are being displayed, thus conveying the message that the Christmas crib unites people from all over the world.
The exhibition comprises some 60 cribs, crafted out of different materials, including papier-mâché, glass and jablo. Several workshops will be organised throughout the duration of the exhibition, addressing topics such as crib-making, crib accessories and crib figurines. Lectures on the history of Christmas cribs will also be held.
Heritage Malta will be publishing an informative full-colour catalogue about this exhibition, with a general introduction about Christmas traditions and the Maltese crib. The agency will also be issuing a limited edition and numbered 15-figure nativity set which includes the main characters of the traditional Maltese crib along with other typical figures such as the child who delivers the Christmas sermon. The set has been created by crib master Pawlu Muscat.
During the inauguration of the exhibition, His Excellency the President of Malta, who was accompanied by First Lady Miriam Vella, thanked all the artists displaying their nativity cribs and praised their detailed work.
Dr Owen Bonnici, Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, was present for the inauguration.
The exhibition runs until Sunday 21st January 2024. All profits will be directed to the Malta Community Chest Fund. Entrance is through Merchants Street.
