Christmas in Gozo 2018 is a very special time of the year. Just imagine an entire five weeks of non stop activities and events on the island of Gozo, Malta. Check out our top 10 things to do and see during your Malta holidays this Christmas. All activities and events mentioned are entrance free.
1. Gozo Christmas Village
Ghajnsielem – between Sunday 9 December 2018 and Sunday 6 January 2019
The Nativity Village takes place in an area locally known as ‘Ta’ Passi’. It is just a stone’s throw from the main centre of the village-by-the-sea of Ghajnsielem on the island of Gozo, Malta. The whole animated village is spread over a 20,000sqm of land and through various combined works of the local council and volunteers, the first Christmas village is created to provide a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.
While visiting Gozo’s capital, Victoria, it is just a 3 minutes walk from the bus station to the beautiful Villa Rundle Gardens. A lovely Christmas market is set up on selected dates between the 2nd and the 23rd of December for Gozo’s Christmas Market.
During Christmas in Gozo 2018 festivities, the gardens will be transformed into a magical experience featuring stalls from all over Gozo having different artisan Christmas products, food and services on offer.
3. Christmas Concert at St. George’s Basilica
Victoria – Sunday 16 December 8.00pm
The annual Christmas concert organised by Chorus Urbanus Productions has now been in production for almost a quarter of a century. It established itself as one of the traditional Christmas events here in Gozo. The concert offers a moment of entertainment for the whole family to share with us during this festive season. Chorus Urbanus Juniors and Chorus Urbanus, along with Urbanus Festive Orchestra, under the direction of Dr John Galea, always indulge the festive character with the local artists, musicians and voices that make this concert a formidable experience for all Gozitans during the Christmas period.
4. Oh Silent Night – 50th Edition of the Christmas Pageant
San Lawrenz – Sunday 23 December 6.00pm
This Pageant narrates the story of Salvation, from Creation to the Birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. In this Pageant almost half the population of the village of San Lawrenz takes part and is performed in the main roads and residential homes. Actors in Biblical costumes will narrate the greatest story ever told. Finally, in the main square a Christmas spectacle will be organised to commemorate its 50 years. This event is organised in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo.
5. Christmas Procession and Pageant
Nadur – Monday 24 December 7.00pm
A traditional procession with the statuette of Baby Jesus with the participation of children attending the Society of Christian Doctrine MUSEUM, winds through the streets of Nadur accompanied by the Mnarja Band performing traditional Christmas carols. The procession will take the form of a Pageant featuring a number of people representing Biblical figures.
6. Pop into Christmas in Gozo 2018 spectacular concert
Victoria – Tuesday 25 December 1.00am in St. George’s Square
A Christmas Concert by DCAPITALS Band, exactly after the Midnight Mass at St George’s Basilica. The concert, which is presented in collaboration with The Grapes Wine Bar and Tepie’s Coffee Bar, will feature all-time Christmas favourites and other pop music with the participation of the band’s resident singers under the direction of Mro George Apap.
7. Christmas Concert at Nadur Basilica
Nadur – Tuesday 25 December 7.00pm
The Grand Christmas Concert will be held at the Nadur Basilica under the direction of Mro Antoine Theuma. An orchestra, the Society of Christian Doctrine MUSEUM Choir and other established Gozitan singers are going to perform in this concert. The event also features a poetry recital session, a short play and the child’s traditional Christmas sermon.
8. Xaghra Cribs By Night
Xaghra – Saturday 29 December 3.30pm to 8.30pm around the whole town
The Għaqda Milied fix-Xagħra is once more providing the unique opportunity to visit the twenty-five artistic cribs, varying from static to mechanical and a life-size one. This tour takes visitors by minibus around the town. An experienced guide will accompany the group with a running commentary in both English and Maltese. It will visit the Xagħra Basilica, beautifully decorated for Christmas, including an artistic bambino in papier-mache made in Lecce, Italy by Profs Luigi Guacci.
Transport by minibus will leave from Mġarr Terminal at 3:00pm for any Maltese visitors arriving with the 2:15pm ferry. For those joining us from Gozo a minibus will pick them up from the area near Xagħra Windmillat 3:20pm. At the end of the activity, our Maltese visitors will be taken back to the Mġarr terminal in time to catch the 8:45pm ferry. While entrance is free of charge, a contribution of €6.50 to cover transport and guide services is kindly requested. Due to limits in accommodation, booking is on a first come first served basis.
For reservation kindly contact 79205316 or e-mail to [email protected] Booking closes on the 20th of December.
9. Gozo New Year’s Eve 2019 Celebrations
Victoria – Monday 31 December 2018 9.30pm at Independence Square & St. George’s Square
The event will be bigger, better and spectacular, like never before. Gozo surely has to be THE destination to say goodbye to 2018 and welcome the new year 2019.
“La Cavalcata dei Re Magi” – The Arrival of the Three Kings Post (Venue): Victory Square, Xagħra
This activity will be held on the solemnity of the feast of the Epiphany. During this event the Holy Family will make their way to the parvisfollowed by five shepherds who pay homage to Baby Jesus. The Three Wise Men, in oriental Biblical outfits, arrive on horseback accompanied by servants carrying the Three Biblical presents – gold, incense and myrrh. The re-enactment will be organised by the Għaqda Il-Milied fix-Xagħra with the collaboration of the Xagħra Historical Re-Enactment Organisation, Xagħra Parish and the Xagħra Local Council.
Il-Wasla tas-Slaten Maġi Adoration of the Magi Post (Venue): Ta’ Passi Mġarr Road, Għajnsielem
Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem will close with the “Adoration of the Magi” on Sunday 6th January. The Three Kings will depart on horseback from a yet-to-be announced destination in Europe on the 2nd of January with the journey continuing on the Feast of the Epiphany when on Sunday morning they will depart from a village in Malta before crossing the ferry and make the triumphal entrance in the Nativity Village late in the afternoon to pay homage to the Baby Jesus. More details on facebook.com/bethlehem.f.ghajnsielem
Gozo Christmas Village or as it is popularly known as Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem opens on Sunday 9 December 2018 at 3.30pm and remains open until Sunday 6 January 2019 8.00pm.
This is the tenth edition of one of Malta’s main attractions during the Christmas holidays. The ‘holy’ family in the above official poster is Joseph Azzopardi, Melanie Azzopardi and baby Thea.
Location
The Nativity Village takes place in an area locally known as ‘Ta’ Passi’. It is just a stone’s throw from the main centre of the village-by-the-sea of Ghajnsielem on the island of Gozo, Malta. The whole animated village is spread over a 20,000sqm of land and through various combined works of the local council and volunteers, the first Christmas village is created to provide a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.
Hospitality
All visitors upon arrival at the Gozo Christmas village will receive a map illustrating all the traditional and new Christmas village attractions to visit and a children’s quiz booklet. Entrance is free.
Attractions
Some of the primary attractions include
the main grotto with a local family dressed as Mary and Joseph with their new born as baby Jesus
Bethelehem Inn
bakery
blacksmith
wine tavern
the fisherman’s port
a suspended rope bridge
cabin
shepherds’ cave
room of scents
local crafts
Roman garrison
eatery
open air market
Roman arena
animal farm
farmers’ store
village houses
water mill
water wheel
panoramic point
Traditional food
Visitors to this year’s edition can enjoy some of the traditional food including Maltese bread and buns, the local pizza like known as ftira, honey rings and traditional coffee and Gozo wine.
Epiphany visit
The Christmas village comes to a wonderful end with the arrival of the Three Kings on horseback on Epiphany Sunday afternoon 6 January 2019.
Re-enactment time schedule
December 2018
Sunday, 9th December 3.30pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday, 12th December 9.30am – 12.00pm (animated by school children)
Thursday, 13th December 2.30pm – 7.30pm
Saturday, 15th December 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Sunday, 16th December 2.30pm – 7.30pm
Saturday, 22nd December 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Sunday 23rd December 2.30pm – 7.30pm
Tuesday 25th December 3.30pm – 8.00pm
Wednesday 26th December 2.30pm – 7.30pm
Friday, 28th December 4.30pm – 7.30pm
Saturday, 29th December 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Sunday 30th December 2.30pm – 7.30pm
January 2019
Tuesday, 1st January 3.30pm – 8.00pm
Saturday, 5th January Activity Magi in Malta
Sunday, 6th January 2.00pm – 8.00pm.
How to get here
From Valletta bus station, take bus #41 or #42 direction to Cirkewwa ferry terminal from where you get the next ferry to Mgarr ferry terminal. Once arrived in Gozo, it is just 10 to 15 minutes walk up to the Gozo Christmas village. At the exit of the terminal, you can also take bus #301, #303 or #323 and stop at the bus stop Chambrai on the Mgarr Road or proceed to the next bus stop Ghajnsielem in the very centre of the village of Ghajnsielem.
From the Mgarr ferry terminal it is just 10 to 15 minutes walk up Shore street and turning left to Mgarr road.
You can also take bus #301, #303 or #323 and stop at bus stop Chambrai.
The Christmas village is just across… on the same side you’ll see the big church of Our Lady of Loreto, Ghajnsielem.
From Victoria bus station it is 10 to 25 minutes bus ride. You can take bus #301, #303 or #323 and stop at bus stop Ghajnsielem in the village square or on Mgarr road by stopping at the bus stop Chambrai.
From Gozo Holiday Home it is just 10 to 12 minutes walk or 3 minutes by bus #303 to bus stop Ghajnsielem in the very centre of Ghajnsielem village or 5 minutes bike ride by our free new bicycles.
Carnival Gozo 2018 was officially opened on Sunday 4 February. However it will reach its climax in its classical five day festival between Friday 9 February and Tuesday 13 February, exactly before the forty day long Lent time.
This year’s opening of the Gozo Carnival was certainly a spectacular one. Over 500 participants from various dance schools across Malta and Gozo participated in the opening session on the sunny Sunday afternoon.
But this is just the starting point. What’s coming up on Gozo in the next days is surely a must-see event. As a local, one cannot but notice the huge activity going on till late in the small villages and towns – preparations, rehearsals and final touching of all Carnival floats and colourful costumes.
The pictures below certainly do not do justice to the amazing performance of all groups during the Gozo Carnival 2018 official opening at Nadur.
Travel Tip created by Frank in association with Vacation Soup
Gozo Carnival 2018 starts on Thursday 8 February and lasts till Tuesday 13 February.
It is an annual event which lasts five days.
But did you know that in Malta and Gozo Carnival has been celebrated for almost 500 years?
Carnival meaning
But what is the meaning of Carnival?
Well, the word Carnival comes from an Italian phrase, carne vale, which means ‘meat is allowed’.
This is because Carnival is a five day long activities celebrated exactly before the 40-day long Lent time where in the Middle Ages, Roman Catholic religion did not permit meat consumption during Lent time.
Short History of Malta and Gozo Carnival
Carnival in Malta and Gozo was introduced in the year 1535 by Grandmaster Del Ponte.
That is exactly five years after the Knights of St. John came to Malta. First it was the Knights who used to take part in Carnival activities and later during the years, the local people started to take part as well.
Gradually but constantly, Malta and Gozo Carnival grew in popularity and complexity too.
This year is 483 years after the first Carnival was held in the Maltese islands.
But for some time, Carnival was not allowed in Malta and Gozo.
In fact in 1639, Grandmaster Lascaris ordered that no woman could put on masks or costumes representing the devil.
The population of the islands absolutely did not like Lascaris’ decision because Carnival had already became part of the local cultural activities on the islands.
Throughout the centuries, Carnival was always celebrated in February, just before Lent time. However, in Malta and Gozo, Carnival was celebrated in the month of May between 1972 and 1987.
From 1988 till to the present time, Carnival in Gozo and Malta is celebrated in its proper time – the month of February.
Gozo Carnival 2018
Nowadays, on Gozo, two types of Carnival are held each year – the organised and spontaneous Carnival.
Organised Carnival
Organised Carnival is held in capital Victoria and around several towns and villages of Gozo.
Preparations for the organised Carnival start very early, for some activities even a year before.
Different, small and large, colourful costumes as well as big Carnival floats are prepared by very dedicated Gozitans who made Carnival part and parcel of their lifestyle.
Various groups meet together and do weekly rehearsals. For instance, dance groups start rehearsing in the summer season, that is about six months before Carnival time.
Spontaneous Carnival
Courtesy: Nadur Local Council.
Spontaneous Carnival is perhaps a more traditional Carnival more popular in the villages rather than in capital Victoria.
Nadur is certainly the place to be to enjoy the spontaneous Gozo Carnival 2018.
Similar to organised Carnival, it lasts five days or better five consecutive nights between Friday and Tuesday.
During these nights, people on individual or family or friends basis dress any sort of Carnival costumes and parade in the main streets and square of Nadur village.
No doubt, during the spontaneous Carnival, what you’ll see will surely exceed your expectations!
In Malta and Gozo, Carnival is a feast shared by all generations, young and old.
Carnival is so deeply rooted in Maltese history that became one of the annual principal events of the cultural calendar.
No wonder so many visitors return to experience the Malta and Gozo Carnival each year in February!
Viva Viva l-Karnival / Long live Carnival time!
Travel Tip created by Frank in association with Vacation Soup
On October 12, 2012, Valletta, Malta’s capital city was officially declared the European Capital of Culture (ECoC). During the past six years, the Valletta 2018 Foundation did a superb job to prepare the Maltese capital city for this European title of prestige.
Over 400 events will be taking place all around the islands of Malta and Gozo to celebrate all Maltese and European heritage as one people – unity in diversity.
The official opening of Valletta 2018 (V.18) is on Saturday, January 20th 1900hrs.
But in practice, what’s Valletta 2018 all about? Watch out this video.
If you’ve never been to Malta and Gozo, then enjoy this colourful walk through the noble city of Valletta, named after Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette.
…and why not? Watch the latest spectacular laser show on the facade of the GrandMaster Palace in Valletta celebrating V.18.
Thinking of visiting Malta this year? Check out all the events happening at Valletta 2018 here:
… and stay tuned for all the local updates we’ll bring you straight from the European Capital of Culture 2018!
Travel Tip created by Frank in association with Vacation Soup
Lovely strawberries just picked in the morning in Mgarr Malta.
When Christmas and New Year’s Day festivities are over, all the lovely colours of lights and decor which light up our homes, shops and streets will slowly fade away and we get back to normal life. But not all colours do… In Malta and Gozo, January is the beginning of the red strawberry season which reaches its peak in Spring with various and endless healthy, social and philanthropic initiatives around the islands.
Just after New Year’s Day, during one of my countryside walks from home in our town of Ghajnsielem on the island of Gozo, I could not but notice the strawberry plants growing bigger and bigger and the first bright red strawberries coming out from beneath the dark green leaves and the rich fertile soil.
Local farmers actually start preparing their fields for strawberry planting in the hot summer days of August and September. A whole network of plastic tunnels with an in-built water drip system just beneath the rich soil is the first setup for strawberry growing on Gozo and Malta. Then, the farmer will start putting one small strawberry plant next to each drip and when the whole plastic tunnel is completed with the plants, it is covered again to maintain a constant temperature.
Small strawberry plants still growing on Gozo.
Strawberry fields in Ghajnsielem, Gozo.
Strawberry fields in Mgarr Malta on October 2, 2017. Courtesy: Festa Frawli facebook page.
What’s the secret of such a success strawberry story on the Maltese islands? Definitely the Maltese climate, the various types of fertile soils on the islands as well as the passionate work of our farmers are the primary reasons for a high quality, nutritive fruit such as the local Maltese strawberries. As one local farmer said, “We make sure each strawberry plant uses all its natural potential entirely to produce its own fruit!” To make this happen, it is therefore very important to provide the most natural environment of excellence – natural warmth, right amount of watering and local expertise.
Maltese climate with 300 hours of sunshine per year provides the perfect strawberry environment.
Strawberry plants are also grown in small pots in Maltese houses.
Frawli, Maltese word for strawberries are very popular in Malta and Gozo. From January till May, it is the seasonal fruit and certainly is enjoyed by everyone, except for those people who have fragariaphobia, fear of strawberries.
The dilemma to choose which cupcake to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!
Children take strawberries for their school break. Schools promote healthy eating with loads and loads of strawberries and fieldwork visits where strawberries grow are organised as an integral part of the curriculum. Teenagers, adolescents, the elderly and tourists – just almost everyone loves the local strawberries!
Strawberries play an important role in Malta’s healthy lifestyle promotion.
Strawberries have many health benefits. Strawberries are very rich in antioxidant properties and help to reduce inflammation, promote weight loss, boost immunity, treat arthritis and gout, strongly support our eye health and even prevent cancer. Very interesting to know that strawberries are also known as brain food because together with banana, boost brain function especially at a time when we start getting older and older.
The strawberry season peak time is certainly around Easter time, that is mid March / April. A huge festival known as Festa Frawli (Strawberries Feast) is held in a small village named Mgarr on Malta thanks to the amazing commitment and dedication of the Mgarr Local Council and the local farmers’ cooperative. It’s actually a grand food festival! But there is one common denominator in all the types of food on sale and on show at the day-long feast. All food contains little or much of the strawberry fruit itself.
So, for instance, you can start your day with a strawberry coffee or a strawberry milkshake followed by a strawberry yoghurt and then you walk little more and get tempted by a mouth-watering seafood pasta or a white creamy risotto with local pecorino cheese with a dash of strawberry sauce. Must try are definitely the strawberry sourbet, ice cream, cookies and the strawberry and chocolate muffins and wait… don’t leave without tasting the strawberry liqeour just to mention a few!
One of my favourite strawberry cup cakes!
Perfect blend of sweet ingredients with the local juicy strawberries.
Delicious chocolate and strawberry muffins.
Gorgeous strawberries and its liqueur in Mgarr Malta.
But you may ask, what does Marilyn Monroe has to do with strawberries? Well, the colour, the taste and pleasure of eating a bright red juicy strawberry knows no borders and has no limits on creativity. Even Marilyn couldn’t but not recognise it. In fact once she said: Dating a new man is like holding a strawberry milkshake; first the taste, then the pleasure.
So, January, Gozo and Marilyn Monroe actually do have something in common. Here on Gozo, strawberries in winter and spring become a sort of staple food being so fresh, delicious and healthy. In shops and in the streets when the daily fruit and vegetables hawker stops by, you’ll hear someone asking Ghad baqaghlek xi ftit frawli jekk joghgbok? that is Do you still have some strawberries left please?
Picking some fresh strawberries from the market on Gozo – January 8th, 2018.
Strawberries have become an essential element in the Maltese healthy lifestyle and culture… and it’s our pleasure promoting the local fresh produce when welcoming guests at ourboutique self-catering accommodation on Gozo with some freshly picked bright red local strawberries.
Very Special welcome to our guests at HolidaysOnGozo.com
Merhba! Welcome home! Wish you berry lovely holidays on Gozo!
Travel Tip created by Frank in association with Vacation Soup
The first film currently on show at the Citadel Cinema on the island of Gozo, Malta is The Greatest Showman (PG).
This is an original musical that celebrates the beginning of a show business and the wonder feelings when dreams actually do become a reality. In brief it is a story of a visionary who created so much from nothing that became a world sensation. It is directed by the new filmmaker, Michael Gracey.
The second movie on show at the Citadel Cinema on Gozo is Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (12A).
Directed by J. Kasdan, this is a story about four teenagers who have somewhat entered into the magical world of a video game to an extent that the only way out is to complete the game. Will they manage to succeed?
The next 3 films will be show soon at the Citadel Cinema.
Darkest Hour is about the most difficult decision making moments during the Second World War when British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill had a huge responsibility in shaping the fate of Western Europe.
Another movie showing soon is Den of Thieves.
This is about a crime saga which connects with the LA County Sheriff’s Dept and a bank robbery crew…
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is the third film showing soon on Gozo.
Described as “…a darkly comedic drama from Academy Award® winner Martin McDonagh (IN BRUGES)” by foxsearchlight.com, this film is about the absence of justice and frustration when Mildred Hayes’s daughter murder case was not solved out. The story develops into an intriguing one between Mildred and Ebbing’s law enforcement…
New Year’s Eve is celebrated in all the towns and villages dotting the island of Gozo landscape.
If you plan to stay out with family and friends, day temperature is expected to be around 18 degrees Celsius falling to 14 degrees Celsius at night. No showers are expected.
Early afternoon on New Year’s Eve between 2.30pm and 6.00pm, the live animation at Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem Christmas village will take place once more. Then, on 1 January, New Year’s Day, animation will be between 3.30pm and 8.00pm. The venue is just 10 to 15 minutes walk from the Mgarr harbour.
Another place worth visiting on New Year’s Eve is certainly the live crib named In Praesepio which takes place in the nearby village of Nadur. Live animation will take place between 4.00pm and 7.30pm on New Year’s Eve and again between 4.00pm and 7.30pm on New Year’s Day. Public transport from Mgarr harbour to Nadur centre by bus #303 and #322.
The main event on New Year’s Eve will once again takes place in Independence Square and St George Square in the very centre of capital Victoria. Some of the bands and DJs in this year’s concert will include The New Victorians, JJoy and Friends Live. It will start at 10pm.
Victoria is easily reached from Mgarr harbour by public transport #301, #303 and #323.
Wish you a truly wonderful New Year 2018 filled with peace, love and harmony!
The ninth edition of Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem Christmas animated village opens on Sunday 10 December at 3.30pm and remains open until Sunday 7 January 2018.
The Nativity Village is spread over a 20,000sqm of land in the village of Ghajnsielem and through various combined works of the local council and volunteers, the first Christmas village is created to provide a wonderful Christmas atmosphere.
All visitors, upon arrival at the Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem Christmas village will receive a map illustrating all the Christmas village attractions to visit.
Some of the primary attractions include of course the main crib with a local family dressed as Mary and Joseph with their new born as baby Jesus, the Inn, the bakery, the blacksmith, the wine tavern, the fisherman’s port, a suspended rope bridge and an open air market.
The Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem organisation informs that animation with live actors will take place on the following days and times:
DECEMBER 2017
Sunday 10th 2.30pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday 13th 2.30pm – 7.30pm
Saturday 16th 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Sunday 17th 2.30pm – 7.30pm
Wednesday 20th* 9.30am – 12.00pm*
Thursday 21st* 9.30am – 12.00pm*
Saturday 23rd 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Sunday 24th 2.30pm – 6.00pm
Monday 25th 3.30pm – 8.00pm
Tuesday 26th 2.30pm – 7.30pm
Saturday 30th 4.30pm – 8.30pm
Sunday 31st 2.30pm – 6.00pm
JANUARY 2018
Monday 1st 3. 30pm – 8.00pm
Saturday 6th 4.30pm – 8.00pm
Sunday 7th** 2.00pm – 8.00pm**
* On 20th and 21st December, Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem will open two special sessions in the morning which will be animated by the Ghajnsielem Primary School children. Everyone is welcome.
** Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem will once again close with the Adoration of The Magi on the Feast of Epiphany, Sunday 7th January.
The Three Kings will depart from Mellieha at 10.00am and catch the Gozo Channel ferry afternoon.
They will then depart form Mgarr Harbour at 3.00pm on horseback to make the triumphal entrance in Bethlehem and pay homage to Baby Jesus.
— Should the weather not permit, the organisers reserve the right to cancel the animation
