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10 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 29 NOVEMBER 2024 CULTURE IL-ĦAĠAR Museum has an- nounced another two events as part of its cultural programme. The first is a public talk taking place this Saturday 30 Novem- ber, at 11am, titled The Evolu- tion and Cult of the Neapolitan Crib, by Mgr Dr Edgar Vella, which builds on another talk given by the speaker at Il-Ħaġar last year. The talk will particularly refer to three main elements — light, form, and colour — which, fused together, reveal the infinite love of God towards humanity, to the point of taking human form and being born poor among the poor, to redeem all equally: the rich, the powerful, the under- privileged, the marginalised, the afflicted, the suffering, and the downtrodden. This form of craftsmanship, of the highest artistic value, has always attracted a wide variety of personalities: from princ- es to sovereigns, bankers to merchants, prelates to humble priests, and devotees to unbe- lievers. Above all, it has created a dazzling, fable-like atmosphere that enchants both adults and children, allowing them to ex- perience a moment of paradise. A leading expert on cribs, Mgr Dr Vella was instrumental in in- troducing the Neapolitan Crib to Malta through various exhi- bitions. He is the curator of the Mdi- na Cathedral Museum and secretary for the Commission for Catholic Cultural Heritage, overseeing all restoration pro- jects carried out locally. Notable among his publica- tions are his doctoral thesis, Treasures of Faith, and An Eighteenth-Century Neapolitan Crib in Malta. The day after, Sunday 1 De- cember, at 7.30pm, Il-Ħaġar is presenting a harp and wind trio recital by clarinettist Noel Beck, flutist Clara Galea, and MPO harpist Anne Marie Camilleri Podestà. They will perform Elizabeth Poston's and Howard Blake's Trio for Flute, Clarinet, and Harp, along with other works by Claude Debussy, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, John Williams, and Christopher Beck. Admission to both events is free, but seat reservations are encouraged by sending an email to events@heartofgozo. org.mt. Public talk and harp and wind trio recital at Il-Hagar this weekend THE Fresh Finds Gozo Mercato is set to return for its Christmas edition, marking its one-year anni- versary. Taking place on Satur- day, 7 December 2024, from 4pm to 9pm at Mojo's Restaurant in Victoria, the event promises an evening filled with seasonal treas- ures, festive cheer, and a vi- brant celebration of Gozo's artisan community. Established to highlight the craftsmanship of Gozo's independent makers, art- ists, designers, and farmers, Fresh Finds Mercato has become a beloved platform for local creativity. This special Christmas edition will offer attendees an enchanting mix of hol- iday spirit and handmade brilliance, showcasing a wide variety of unique, ar- tisanal products and festive delights. The Christmas Edition brings together the best of Gozo's creativity and fes- tive charm: • Unique Gifts and Arti- san Goods: Attendees will discover a thoughtfully curated selection of hand- crafted items, including festive decorations, arti- sanal foods, and bespoke gifts, perfect for the holiday season. • Seasonal Delicacies: The event will feature an array of seasonal treats, savory dishes, and specialty drinks to capture the warmth and joy of the festive period. • Artisan Stories: Visitors will have the chance to engage directly with local artisans, hearing the in- spiring stories behind their work. Each stall represents a narrative of dedication, passion, and creative ex- pression. Curator and founder Mi- chelle Bartolo shared her reflections on the mile- stone. "We're proud to celebrate one year of bringing Gozo's rich traditions, creativity, and entrepreneurial spir- it to life," she said. "The Christmas Edition is not just a market – it's a gather- ing of community, culture, and sustainable values." Fresh Finds Mercato returns to Gozo this December