The 2nd edition of ‘Bethlehem f’ Ghajnsielem’ came to a spectacular close last Sunday, as the ‘Three Kings’ (The Magi) travelled from Mgarr Harbour to ‘Ta Passi’ fields on horses . The ‘Three Kings’ arrived in Mgarr harbour from the east side on a traditional Maltese boat (luzzu) and made their way slowly towards the Nativity village via Mgarr Road and the main square.

Suha Arafat, wife of former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, also visited ‘Bethlehem f’ Ghajnsielem’ on the last day. Mrs Arafat, shown in the photograph above, second from left, was accompanied by the Mayor of the village, Mr. Francis Cauchi, together with Michael Frendo, Chairman of Parliament’s Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, and Dr Joe Mifsud who has recently published a book on Bethlehem.

Thousands of Maltese and Gozitan families visited ‘Bethlehem f’ Ghajnsielem’ during the past weeks. The village was inaugurated on the 6th of December.

Bethlehem f’ Ghajnsielem was held for the second year after last year’s village was found to be such a great success. The event was an added attraction at Christmas time and the village was spread over twenty-hectare adjacent to the main road from Mgarr Harbout.

Besides the cave where the Baby Jesus was born, the main attractions included a carpentry shop, the blacksmith, the baker, the Taverna and the vegetable market as well as the various fields with the shepherds and animals.150 volunteers took part in the animation of the Nativity Village.

Bethlehem f’ Ghajnsielem was held by the Ghajnsielem Local Council, with the assistance of organisations from the Ghajnsielem village, along with many volunteers. The Ministry for Gozo as well as Parliamentary Secretariat for Public Dialogue and Information collaborated with the organisers, to help the village bcome such a success.