The Minister for National Heritage, Arts and Local Government Owen Bonnici announced that after the closing of the applications for the National Nativity Competition, this year there will be a total of 64 participants.
These participants will be divided into several categories: Large mechanical crib; Large static crib; Medium-sized crib (mezzanine); A small crib; Maltese crib; Work of shepherds who are worked locally from 1cm-20cm; Work of pastors that are worked locally 20cm above and the preparation and organization of the places where these nativity scenes will be exhibited.
Minister Bonnici also explained that this year a QR code will be generated again, where people who wish to visit an exhibition will be able to scan the QR code using their mobile phone and a map of Malta will appear showing you where are the cribs that applied for the competition. “In this way we will facilitate easier access to the places where these exhibitions are and we believe that the QR code will allow enthusiasts as well as visitors to find and explore these exhibitions in a better way easy,” said Minister Bonnici.
“Let’s embrace the spirit of creativity, community and tradition as we see ideas and dreams unfold in every crib presented, let’s preserve and honor this intangible cultural heritage that has a special place in the Maltese in our hearts and in our culture,” concluded Minister Bonnici while thanking the Directorate of Culture for the great work carried out in this camp.
He said this while he was visiting an exhibition of cribs in the Parish Church of Żurrieq.
Each Nativity in the competition must be open to the public from Monday, 16 December 2024 to Sunday, 5 January 2025. Viewing times must be between 17.30 pm and 20.30 pm from Monday to Sunday. Sundays and Holidays are also open in the morning between 10.00 am and noon. Each applicant may keep the viewing place open for longer hours and or more days than requested.
