A record breaking 21,000 visitors attended the Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem event in Gozo this year. 

In a statement, the Gozo Channel confirmed that between Friday and Sunday it carried 25,194 people and 6,230 vehicles from Cirkewwa to Mgarr.

"New attractions for this year included a new local crafts area with a section dedicated to mosaic, a new look for the fisherman's port, and a 100 ft bridge, where the visitors can cross and take a trip along the river on a Maltese boat. Other traditional attractions include the bakery, the blacksmith, carpenter, the wine tavern, open air market and the Inn. The main attraction was the grotto, with baby Jesus in the caring hands of Mary assisted by Joseph," the statement by the Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem organisers read.

The Three Kings will depart from North Italy on December 29th

A delegation from Għajnsielem will leave Malta to Revine Lago, in North Italy where the Three Kings will officially depart tonight. Revine Lago is a small town with a population of about 2,500, near Venice.

The three kings will arrive in Malta on Thursday, 31st December around 11am. Their first stop will be Mater Dei, where they will visit the Children's Ward and the Elderly Ward. The young children in the ward are encouraged to write a letter or prayer to be given to the Three Kings, which will be presented to baby Jesus in Għajnsielem on Sunday 3rd January.

The Three Kings will depart on horseback from the Manikata area on the 3rd around 9.30am. They will visit 'Dar il-Madonna' around 10am and at 11am, Herod will ask the Three Wise Men to depart to find Jesus.

The Magi will take the 2.15pm ferry and travel to the nativity village at around 3.30pm, where they will present their gifts to Baby Jesus.

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