The strong winds and rain did not deter thousands of people from visiting the Bethlehem f’Ghansielem live crib in Gozo since its official opening on 7 December as an estimated 74,000 people, including 2,000 children, were recorded to have paid a visit to the event which came to an end on Sunday.

The Magi, Kings, or Wise Men, as they are known, on Sunday made their triumphant entrance to Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem on horseback – the largest crib ever recorded on the Maltese islands – bringing to an end four weeks of animation and months of hard work to an end.

Ta’ Passi in Ghajnsielem was this year once again transformed into a live crib, for the fifth consecutive year, offering the nativity story as an attraction.

Gozo Minister Anton Refalo thanked the organising committee who put up the live event and the volunteers who worked hard to finish the project in time.

He said that following this successful event, the ministry was aiming to work hard to promote Gozo as a Christmas destination.

Images show the hundreds of people awaiting the The Wise Men in Gozo on Sunday afternoon after their arrival to Malta on Saturday from Rome.