Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1541494
9 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 21 NOVEMBER 2025 CULTURE Two new philatelic issues for the festive season TO celebrate the festive season, Malta- Post will be issuing two special sets of stamps — one featuring a playful depic- tion of Santa Claus with his nine cheerful reindeer, and another showcasing tradi- tional nativity scenes in Bethlehem. CHRISTMAS 2025 The Christmas issue consists of 10 stamps, each bearing a denomination of €0.45. The set illustrates Father Christmas and his reindeers, with whom he travels the world on his magical sleigh. Together, they spread joy and wonder to people all over the world. These stamp illustrations have been created by Fabio Agius. The stamps will be issued in sheets of 10, each stamp measuring 35mm x 35mm, with a comb perforation of 14.3 x 14.3 and bearing the Maltese Cross watermark. The sheets measure 203mm x 98mm and were produced by Printex Ltd in the off- set process. The issue consists of 300,000 stamps THE NATIVITY 2025 In Malta, the Nativity holds a special place in religious art and devotion. To celebrate this special annual event, Mal- taPost shall issue a set of 2 stamps de- picting paintings of the newborn Christ's birthplace. They are the creative work of renowned Gozitan artist Pawlu Camill- eri Cauchi. The painting within the €0.45 stamp, found within the Parish Church of the Assumption in Qrendi, depicts the moment of arrival of the humble shep- herds at the stable where they found Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus lying in a man- ger. The other painting, within the €1.50 stamp, focuses on the visit of the three Magi from the East who were guided by the Star of Bethlehem to Jesus' birthplace. It is found within the Parish Church of Sacro Cuor in Sliema. Photography of both paintings was done by Mark Micallef Perconte. The stamps will be issued in sheets of 10, each stamp measuring 31mm x 44mm, with a comb perforation of 14.1 x 14.2 and bearing the Maltese Cross watermark. The sheets measure 180mm x 115mm and were produced by Printex Ltd in the off- set process. The issue consists of 50,000 of the €0.45c stamp and 50,000 of the €1.50 stamp. STAMPS ISSUE DATE – THURSDAY 20 NOVEMBER, 2025 Both the Christmas 2025 issue and the Nativity 2025 issue will be available from all Post Offices in Malta and Gozo from Thursday 20 November 2025. Orders may be placed online at www.maltaphilately. com or by mail from the Philatelic Bureau, MaltaPost p.l.c. 305, Qormi Road, Marsa, MTP 1001; Telephone: 2596 1740, e-mail: info@maltaphilately.com GOZO hosts a new art exhibi- tion titled A Thing of Beauty at the Banca Giuratale in Victoria on 20 November 2025. The art- ist, inspired by John Keats's fa- mous line "A thing of beauty is a joy forever," explores healing and emotional depth through visual art. The exhibition, which runs from 07:30 to 14:30 and is free to attend, focuses on the creation of beauty that "heals both body and soul." Gozo exhibition A Thing of Beauty opens in Victoria 16th edition of Bethlehem f'Ghajnsielem nativity village to take place this December THE 16th edition of Bethlehem f'Għajn- sielem will open in Gozo, offering visitors an im- mersive experience of the Nativity story across 20,000 square metres of land. The annual event combines Maltese folk- lore and traditions with traditional nativity dis- plays, providing a festive and cultural experience for families and tourists alike. The village will be open on selected dates from 14 to 28 December 2025 and 1 to 4 January 2026, with afternoon and early evening sessions. Organisers said the event aims to offer a festive experience that highlights the rich cul- tural heritage of Gozo while bringing the story of Christmas to life.