The first Christmas exhibition at the Razzett tal-Markiz, Mosta, was inaugurated on December 10, 1997, with one exhibitior, Mr Austin Galea. This year is the edition Christmas exhibition being organised at the Razzett.

Over the years, the number of participating artists has gradually increased. Since we are hosting exhibitors from all over Malta and Gozo, the Razzett tal-Markiz is being considered as a National Centre for art exhibitions. This year we are having over 30 exhibitors at the Christmas exhibition.

In previous years, the Christmas exhibition was held in the two main exhibition rooms. However, this year we are extending the exhibition space further. We are including the Ġnejna Anton Agius as exhibition space for this year's Christmas exhibition.

Who takes part?

Those interested in exhibiting their artistic works at the Razzett for Christmas contact us, the committee of this philanthropic non-profit organisation. Discussions would then be held with the interested exhibitors as to the type of artistic work they wish to bring along and the dimensions. Preparations for the Christmas exhibition start well-ahead of Christmas. We do our best to fit in as many works as possible, to give due exposure to anyone who shows interest in showing their creativity in this exhibition. The space at the Razzett tal-Markiz is quite limited and we accept artists on a first-come-first-served basis, according to the theme being exhibited. Many artists contact us from a year before, to secure themselves a place at next year's Christmas exhibition.

What materials are used for crib making?

The artists can be very original in the materials they choose for their cribs. During the years, we have had a vast array of cribs made from various materials that many wouldn't even dream of using. Through the various editions of the Christmas Exhibition cribs made of egg shells, cork caps, Papier Machè, clay, metal, glass, jablo, fireworks shells, limestone and rustic stone from Malta were put on display. It is impressive how the artists reflect their conceptions of Christmas in such a wide variety of artistic expressions and materials.

Every year we present a big mechanical crib which is an attraction in itself. It measures about four square metres. It is a different crib every year which relates narratives from the Old Testament leading to the nativity of Jesus Christ. It depicts a fusion of the landscape of Bethlehem with aspects from Maltese Culture. The overall ambience brings a sense of peacefulness to the heart of the viewer. This mechanical crib works with a certain precision using a delicate electrical technique, which is cleverly disguised in the set-up of the crib. This is the fruit of precise workmanship starting many months ahead of Christmas.

Many of the cribs being exhibited at the Razzett, participate in the National Crib Competition organised by the Malta Council for the Culture and the Arts. Some have placed second and third in the different categories. The mechanical crib exhibited at the Razzett has placed first and second these last few years.

Apart from a large number of cribs on show, there is a good number of contemporary and antique paintings featuring the Nativity.

Christmas attractions get more commercial every year what do you think still draws people to such exhibitions in towns and villages?

I agree. Regrettably, Christmas is becoming increasingly a commercial affair as time goes by. By the end of October we are bombarded by adverts about the various Christmas gifts, parties etc. All this seems to distract us from the true meaning of Christmas. That's why our Għaqda Filantropika Talent Mosti puts its best efforts in organising the annual Christmas exhibition in order to keep the true meaning of Christmas alive.

The Razzett tal-Markiż is a rural building dating back to the 17th century. The trees, pots and plants, the red ponziettas all around the place, create that unique magical background for the Christmas Exhibition.

The number of visitors from all over Malta and Gozo has increased year by year. We get organised groups of elderly people, school children of different ages, tourists and, above all, many families who come along with their children to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere created at the Razzett tal-Markiż. People are drawn to such exhibitions as these revive the nostalgia of each one's own childhood, as everyone experiences the true peace away from the hustle and bustle of today's fast-paced life. 

What dates and times is the exhibition open?

The Christmas Exhibition was inaugurated on Saturday December 10. The occasion also marked the 200th exhibition being organised at the Razzett tal-Markiż. The Christmas Exhibition remains open till Sunday, January 1, 2017. Opening hours are: Every day between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, Sundays 9.30am till noon and 5.30pm and 8.30pm.

At the Razzett tal-Markiż

Those visiting the Christmas Exhibition at the Razzett tal-Markiż are given a tour around the Razzett itself in order to appreciate the rural and cultural aspect of the place and the activities held by the Għaqda Filantropika Talent Mosti - Mosta Talent Philanthropic Society. 

This is a Non-Government Organisation whose main aim is to organise various activities such as art exhibitions, book launches, public discussions, drama etc. The money raised from these activities is presented on a yearly basis in the form of various donations to those in need: to both individuals and associations such as Inspire, the Malta Community Chest Fund, Dar tal-Providenza, Puttinu Cares, Fondazzjoni Nażżaret and many more. So, while helping artists, authors, and poets promote their works at the Razzett, we provide time and space for people to get together to discuss various aspects of art and culture, share and enlighten each other with knowledge in a friendly environment.

The Razzett tal-Markiż is situated in Triq Wied il-Għasel, Mosta. This farmhouse is a 300-year-old piece of rural architecture which belonged to the Marquis Mallia Tabone. We do our best to maintain the Razzet well to enhance the peaceful atmosphere and antique charm it possesses.

During these last 30 years, the Mosta Talent Philanthropic Society has been instrumental in propagating various expressions of popular culture, whilst instilling a sense of social solidarity, not only within its hardworking members, but also to the thousands of Maltese and foreigners who have visited the Society's farmhouse at Mosta for one or more of its ever-on-going exhibitions and other activities.

Standing tall for Maltese folklore, the Razzett tal-Markiż houses two permanent exhibitions of typical tools, serving as a tribute to the Maltese manual work and manual workers, local art and artists. It is the meeting place of art, culture and philanthropy.

We encourage everyone to have a look at our website www.talentmosti.com, which is updated regularly with articles and photos of current, future and previous events, For more information of our whereabouts, please follow the map in the Administration Section of our website: talentmosti.com or contact us on our e-mail: [email protected]. You can call us on phone no: 2142 0632.or mobile: 79268221 or contact us on Facebook:Ir-Razzett tal-Markiż.