At Castille Square, the Prime Minister’s wife, Dr Lydia Abela, launched the sixth edition of “Rigal bi Mħabba”, an initiative aimed at ensuring that vulnerable children “also receive a gift born from the love of the Maltese and Gozitan people during Christmas time.” The launch took place in the presence of the choir La Voix Harmonies, which each year creates a song carrying a strong message of hope and solidarity.
Dr Abela explained that the initiative began as a dream shared between her and her daughter Giorgia-Mae, but “today this dream has turned into a movement that brings together thousands of people” united to bring joy to the most vulnerable children in society. She stressed that while many families enjoy Christmas in abundance, others face hardship, adding that the wish behind the initiative is “simple but meaningful — that every boy and girl has a gift under the Christmas tree and that no one feels forgotten.”
Gifts may be placed under the Christmas tree at Castille Square between 12 and 19 December. From 15 to 24 December, the square will transform into a Christmas Village offering family activities, traditional food and drink, and local crafts. The closing event will be held on Friday 19 December, including performances by local talent and a concert by the Armed Forces of Malta Band.
Dr Abela also acknowledged the contribution of local councils and schools, highlighting her visit to the Ġużeppina Deguara Primary School where children prepared their own gifts. She announced that Rigal bi Mħabba b’Differenza, supporting animals and created with Jake Vella, will also return and this year extend to Gozo.
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