Six Maltese cribs are being exhibited among 45 nativity scenes from 20 different countries at a prestigious international exhibition held at the Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle in Rome. Malta’s participation was coordinated by the Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepji Għawdex Malta 1985, with full transport costs financed by the Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering. The Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering attended the official inauguration on Saturday, 6 December 2025.
Eight Maltese volunteers assisted in setting up the exhibition, which features countries renowned for their artistic nativity traditions, including Spain, Italy, Austria, and Germany. The event also marked the inauguration of the Presepju Museum in Greccio, where a Maltese crib created by Benny Camilleri is now on permanent display. The crib “was chosen by the local mayor” and will form part of the museum’s ongoing collection.
Minister Julia Farrugia said it was “a great satisfaction” for the ministry to support voluntary work such as crib-making, noting that volunteers “are keeping Maltese and Gozitan tradition alive” while the government continues to support the voluntary sector.
Carmen Camilleri, Secretary of the Għaqda, thanked the minister for essential assistance, including transport funding, which enabled Maltese cribs to feature in an international-level exhibition.
The exhibition remains open until 2 February 2026.
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