Gozo 'presepisti' show their skill

The Għaqda Presepisti Għajnsielem is once again contributing to the rich cultural programme that characterises the Christmas season, presenting a series of exhibitions that highlight the artistic, spiritual and heritage value of the Nativity tradition.

Within the space beneath the Għajnsielem parish church, visitors can experience two complementary exhibitions. The first presents a curated collection of 12 Baby Jesus statuettes, each reflecting different artistic styles and interpretations that form part of the longstanding Maltese and Gozitan crib-making tradition.

A statuette of Baby Jesus. Photo: Charles Spiteri

In an adjacent room, a distinctive and symbolic crib offers a contemporary reflection on the origins of the Nativity, drawing attention to the ongoing hardships in the Holy Land, the birthplace of Christianity, reminding visitors of the deeper human and historical context behind the Christmas narrative.

Another exhibition is being held at the St Joseph Band Club, where numerous cribs and dioramas are on display. These works showcase the skill, creativity and dedication of local presepisti, while also underlining the importance of safeguarding this intangible cultural heritage, which is passed on from one generation to the other. The exhibitions are open until January 6.

The association’s commitment to promoting this tradition extends beyond local boundaries.

For the fifth time, the Għaqda Presepisti Għajnsielem is exhibiting dioramas in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, reinforcing Gozo’s cultural presence abroad and contributing to the wider appreciation of Maltese crib-making as a living and evolving heritage practice.

The association is exhibiting 30 cribs and dioramas at the iconic Claustros de Santo Domingo, which is considered a jewel of gothic architecture of Andalusia and in Jerez. This cultural initiative was made possible through the support of the Gozo Ministry.