Malta International Airport launched its Christmas activities with the lighting and blessing of an artistic crib by Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona.

A concert by the Journey Choir under the direction of Ruth Casingena entertained the guests with a repertoire of traditional Christmas songs and other well-known pieces from hit musicals.

MIA’s CEO Peter Bolech said that this was his sixth and, sadly, his last Christmas in Malta as his term of office as CEO at MIA ends in a few days time.

“It is important that during this period we do not simply emphasise the commercial aspect of events but more importantly the real, spiritual significance of Christmas by revolving our activities around this traditional Maltese crib, the work of Maltese craftsmanship by Fr Charles Vella and our own employees who built and set the structure” Mr Bolech said.

Mgr Cremona praised MIA’s initiative to highlight the real values of Christmas by placing the traditional crib at the centre of the celebrations. “It is important to rekindle the true family values as well as the love and respect towards each other as only these values make us feel the joy and true significance of Christmas,” the Archbishop said.

Mgr Cremona also unveiled a commemorative plaque by the painting of Our Lady of the Airways inside the check-in hall, to mark the 20th anniversary of the demise of the artist Chev. Emvin Cremona. Cremona’s work of art originally adorned the chapel of the old terminal building from 1965 to 1992, after which it was transferred to its present location at Malta International Airport.

Moreover, as part of this year’s celebrations, MIA is also supporting an initiative taken by the Maltese Association of Malta’s Volunteers of the Order (VOTO).

The aim of the organisation is to carry out charitable activities in aid of those in need, particularly the elderly, the sick, persons with special needs and children. A donation box for this purpose has been placed under a dedicated Christmas tree in the departures hall and visitors to MIA are invited to be generous in assisting this worthy cause.