A live crib will be put up in the coming days on the old royal opera house ruins, which the government has earmarked as the site for the new parliament.

Education Minister Dolores Cristina visited the site which has been transformed from an eyesore car park into a peaceful corner in royal David’s city by workers from both her ministry and the Tourism Ministry, as well as workers in the cinema industry, under the artistic direction of Ino Bonello. The project is entrusted to the Malta Council for Culture.

Besides the Nativity story, Minister Cristina said, the crib will feature pottery makers, blacksmiths, bakers as well as players of traditional Maltese musical instruments.

Ms Cristina said the old theatre will host an event that will bring together tradition, folklore and spirituality. The Christmas spirit will surely win over all those visiting the crib which will be animated by over 30 actors, live animals, and Christmas cheer.

Organisers told this newspaper that the only inanimate personage will be Baby Jesus, as it was not deemed right to have a newborn child out in December daily from 10am to 10pm.

The crib will be inaugurated by President Edward Fenech Adami on 12 December and will be open until Christmas Eve. Midnight Mass will be celebrated in the crib, followed by distribution of sweets and drinks.

Actors will re-enact certain episodes recounted in the Gospels, such as the announcement of Augustus Caesar’s census decree, the Holy Family seeking shelter and the arrival of the Three Wise Men. The story of the first live crib, created by St Francis of Assisi will also be recounted during one of these re-enactments. These will take place between 12 and 14 and between 19 and 21 December from 6 to 10pm.

There will also be a number of carolling choirs as well as performances by the Armed Forces and Police bands.

Entrance is free; however donations in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund would be appreciated.