The seventh edition of Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem was recently launched at Ta' Passi fields in Għajnsielem by the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo and the mayor Franco Ciangura.

And once again, this event promises to be a major attraction for Gozo this Christmas. Last year around 100,000 people visited the Nativity Village. The official opening ceremony will be held today at 4pm and will be broadcasted live on TVM2. The live crib will remain open until Sunday, 3 January when the event will close with the Adoration of the Three Wise Men. Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem which is spread over 20,000 square metres of land and animated by 150 actors will be animated during weekends and public holidays.

Volunteers have been working on site for the last three months. New attractions for this year include a new local crafts area with a section dedicated to mosaic, a new fisherman's port and a 100ft bridge which the visitors can cross to take a trip along the river on a Maltese boat. Other traditional attractions include the bakery, the blacksmith, a carpenter's workshop, the wine tavern, the open air market and the inn.

The main attraction will undoubtedly be the grotto, with Baby Jesus in the caring arms of his mother assisted by Joseph.

The event is being organised by the Ghajnsielem Local Council in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo and the Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem organizing committee.

More details on www.ghajnsielem.com/bethlehem