It’s a scene we all know and love. The human drama played out in a cave where a family huddle together for warmth while three kings from the East bear rich gifts, has captured the imagination for centuries.

In Malta, where the tradition of the crib seems to have made a comeback, a record number of cribs took part in the recent National Crib competition organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts over the Christmas period. A total of 74 cribs spread over three categories were open to the public between 18 December and 1 January. 

The winners were announced in a presentation held last week, presided by Parliamentary Secretary for Culture and Local Government Dr Jose’ Herrera. Besides meeting the participants, Dr Herrera pledged his support for the crib tradition to continue growing in Malta.

Originality, artistry, the style of the statuettes (pasturi) and the general atmosphere and appearance of the crib were some of the criteria by which the participating cribs were judged.

Spread over a number of localities around Malta, it is mostly men who dedicate their time and energy to crib-making, although the number of young people seems to be on the rise.

With its religious significance and decorative appeal, the crib has always been at the centre of the Maltese home. While representing an intimate family moment, it also brought families together during its construction, often through simple materials. The recreation of a miniature world, with its scenes of village life, also seemed to hold a special charm for children.

The tradition was further strengthened by St George Preca when every child who attended the MUSEUM was given a small crib showing the nativity scene.

The crib tradition went through a dip towards the middle of the last century when new Christmas decorations were imported from abroad. However, thanks to the work of the Ghaqda Hbieb tal-Presepju as well as the National Crib Competition, the crib seems to be safely back at the heart of the Maltese Christmas.

Winners of the National Crib Competition

Competition Number One – Mechanical Cribs

First place: Giovan Muscat, Ir-Razzett tal-Markiz Mallia Tabone, Wied il-Ghasel Street, Mosta

Second place: Daniel Bezzina, Ta’ Gamri Court, Stiefnu Zerafa Street corner with Naxxar Road, Gharghur

Third place: Vittoriosa local council, Auberge de France, Hilda Tabone Street, Vittoriosa

Competition Number Two – Large Static Cribs

First place: Adrian Busuttil, Mahzen tal-Armar, Tower Road, Balluta

Second place: Franklyn Pace, 71, Cirkolu San Gwakkin, Triq il-Kbira, Birkirkara

Third Place: John Cachia, 68, Triq San Gorg, Naxxar

Competition Number Three – Small Cribs

First place: Raymond Deguara, Soc. Fil. Nicolo Isouard, 204, Triq il-Kbira, Mosta

Second place: Marco Spiteri, Ir-Razzett tal-Markiz Mallia Tabone, Triq Wied il-Ghasel, Mosta

Third place: Joey Falzon, La Rosa Mansions', Garage C, Vjal il-Bon Pastur, Balzan

An appreciation prize was awarded to the crib by Charles Camilleri for its originality and innovation. This was exhibited at the Ghaqda Muzikali Marija Bambina - Banda Vittorja in Naxxar.