The small community of San Lawrenz in Gozo will keep up with tradition by presenting its open-air Christmas pageant in the square of the small village on Christmas eve.

Some 250 actors and supporting crews will present the Bible story from Genesis up to the birth of Jesus Christ. The story will unfold on a large stage divided into three parts.

This will be the 41st' year of the production, and Mayor Noel Formosa said no year was ever missed and the weather always held out... just in some cases.

Those taking part range from babies to 70-year-olds.

"Preparations start in September. This is part of our identity, you can see how the men start growing beards weeks before," Mr Formosa said.

The production starts at 8.30 p.m. and takes some 90 minutes. It ends wth the traditional priedka tat-tifel.