Bethlehem is brought to life in Għajnsielem

Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem is an animated Nativity village currently set up in Gozo spread over 20,000 square metres of land. The experience offers visitors a naturalistic reproduction of the environ of the sacred city of Bethlehem and the timeless Nativity story. The ‘village’ is brought to life with around 150 actors animating the crib, including three newborns. The atmosphere is quite unique, with horses turning mills, villagers going about their jobs, shepherds inhabiting caves, animals roaming in enclosed spaces and a poor, unknown couple tending to their new infant surrounded by a donkey and a cow in a grotto. The small village of Għajnsielem is just a five-minute walk from Mġarr Harbour. On entering the crib, visitors are given a map which helps to enhance the overall experience. Attractions include the carpenter and blacksmith’s dwellings, the bakery, a market selling fresh fruit, fish and vegetables, a tavern, a local crafts area and a barn. Running water flows along by the structures through a small stream with various water features. Each dwelling is inhabited and animated by whole families, reminding everyone that Christmas is a family celebration. The tavern offers...