For the first time Joseph and Mary yesterday (the day before the inauguration) started their journey from Gharb with the expectant mother riding a real donkey. Gharb was chosen because village's parish is dedicated to the 'Visitation of Our Lady', thus a fittingly symbolic place to start the journey.

The re-enactment started at 7pm from Gharb's main square when the chairman of the Gozo Christmas Activities Dr Joe Mifsud officially launched the one-month long Gozo Christmas calendar of events. At 8pm Joseph and Mary together with several volunteers arrived in Victoria where the Minister for Gozo officially inaugurated the Victoria Christmas street light decorations.

The sixth edition of Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem will be officially inaugurated by the President of Malta,  Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca this evening at 5.15pm. The St Joseph Band club will perform a Christmas concert at 4.15pm in front of the main entrance.