Ghajnsielem · MT

Bethlehem in Għajnsielem (Gozo)

Each December, a stretch of open fields on the edge of the Gozitan village of Għajnsielem is transformed into a walk-through recreation of biblical Bethlehem. Known locally as Bethlehem f'Għajnsielem, this living nativity village spreads across some 20,000 square metres and is populated by around 150 costumed volunteers who act out everyday life in Judea two thousand years ago: horses turn mills, villagers ply old trades, shepherds shelter in caves, animals roam the set, and at the heart of it all a young couple tend their newborn in a stone grotto. This is a genuine community event rather than a commercial theme park, organised by Għajnsielem's local council and non-profit groups, and it has become one of Gozo's signature seasonal attractions, once ranked among the world's top ten Christmas destinations. It sits on the Ta' Passi fields right beside the village main square, only a few minutes' walk from Mġarr Harbour, making it an easy and memorable stop on a ferry crossing over to Gozo during the Christmas season.