Christmas In Malta

Raymond Deguara, with terracotta figures by Jesmond Micallef and lighting by Mario Ebejer, set this Nativity in a traditional Maltese farmhouse. Notice the pillar with a cross and the figure of a saint carved into a niche in the wall. These are common features found in homes in Maltese villages.

Kenrick Aquilina, with Clyde Bongailas and Mikael Schembri, set this Nativity in a Jewish village at the time of the birth of Jesus. The houses are placed amidst caves, the largest contains a common figure seen in Maltese cribs, a shepherd kneeling in front of baby Jesus.

Alexander Powell, with figures by Laurence Baldacchino, set this Nativity in a cave among ruins. There are two common scenes, a shepherd kneeling, and a man showing baby Jesus to a young boy through an entrance.

Joseph Cassar set this Nativity in Bethlehem during the time of the birth of Jesus. A traditional Maltese windmill is set atop a tiered Bethlehem village, with terraced houses, a waterfall, and pastures. The scene of Jesus’s birth is central, with an angel above.

Keith Galea designed this Nativity as a traditional village scene with a cave from the time of the birth of Jesus. Accompanying music and lighting enhance the scene, changing from dawn to day to night.

Brian Cachia, with help from his son, set this Nativity in a village from the region of Palestine. It features valleys, small villages, and a cave in which Mary is shown lying down while baby Jesus is in the hands of Joseph. Nearby shepherds arrive as a lady holding a young child looks on.

Jean Paul Portelli set this Nativity on the island of Gozo, which is part of the Maltese archipelago. Traditional Gozitan Nativities typically include a sleeping man who represents people who do not believe in Jesus, a dark-skinned man who represents the people who Jesus came to help, and prickly pear cacti that represent local Maltese plants.

Jennings Falzon set this Nativity amidst Maltese scenery, including the “Azure Window,” which stood at the west end of the island of Gozo before it collapsed in 2017. The figures are represented in a theatrical form, reminiscent of the Old Masters and classical sculpture.

 Adrian Gatt and Raymond Zammit, with figures by Jesmond Micallef, set this Nativity in a Maltese house partly demolished during the Second World War. Around the scene, musicians play traditional Maltese instruments, while a woman in traditional dress (għonella) walks with her daughter.

Daniel Attard set this Nativity in a Maltese village, inspired by local places of interest such as a chapel on the outskirts of Żejtun, a historic watchtower in Mellieħa, a windmill in Żurrieq, and an old farmhouse with a veranda in Gozo.