Nativity Scene goes to next level in Malta
The Socjeta’ Sant’ Andrija Lija presents a live nativity scene on Street Sant’ Andrija for the Christmas season. There are only a couple of days left to catch this unique Maltese activity. The live nativity will be active again on Dec. 25, 27 and 28.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, a live nativity is a crèche that uses people and real animals to stand in for Mary, Joseph and the scene at the manger. The Presepju Haj (live crib) in Hal Lija takes the idea one step further. Here a typical Maltese street has been turned into the road to the manger.
Visitors can travel from King Herod, who made a royal decree down the street past the river, the carpenter’s, the blacksmith and past a host of other characters that may have inhabited the town of Bethlehem at the time of Christ. Many of the characters are played by children. The manger itself is populated by sheep, a cow, a donkey, pot-bellied pigs, a turkey and other birds.
The uninitiated can take a pleasant walk among the townspeople and revel in the vague confusion about what exactly is going on. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and some Imqaret (date pastries) and take advantage of the relative warmth of the Maltese Christmas season.
Entrance into the nativity scene is one Euro for adults. Children are free. Pastries and other goodies are available for purchase. If you are in Malta, you do not want to miss out on this opportunity to partake in something as beautiful and fun as it is puzzling. Perhaps the best comparison is going to Santa’s Village, but this village is not about toys, trees, elves reindeer and candy. It is about the reason for the season.
For those unfamiliar with the concept, a live nativity is a crèche that uses people and real animals to stand in for Mary, Joseph and the scene at the manger. The Presepju Haj (live crib) in Hal Lija takes the idea one step further. Here a typical Maltese street has been turned into the road to the manger.
Visitors can travel from King Herod, who made a royal decree down the street past the river, the carpenter’s, the blacksmith and past a host of other characters that may have inhabited the town of Bethlehem at the time of Christ. Many of the characters are played by children. The manger itself is populated by sheep, a cow, a donkey, pot-bellied pigs, a turkey and other birds.
The uninitiated can take a pleasant walk among the townspeople and revel in the vague confusion about what exactly is going on. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and some Imqaret (date pastries) and take advantage of the relative warmth of the Maltese Christmas season.
Entrance into the nativity scene is one Euro for adults. Children are free. Pastries and other goodies are available for purchase. If you are in Malta, you do not want to miss out on this opportunity to partake in something as beautiful and fun as it is puzzling. Perhaps the best comparison is going to Santa’s Village, but this village is not about toys, trees, elves reindeer and candy. It is about the reason for the season.