Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542124
11 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 19 DECEMBER 2025 CULTURE A richly detailed artistic nativity display known as Presepju Ar- tistiku has opened to the public in Nadur, offering residents and visitors a visual celebration of the Christmas story through tra- ditional craftsmanship and cul- tural heritage. Hosted at the Society of Chris- tian Doctrine Museum, the ex- hibition showcases an elaborate artistic crib (presepju) created by Jean Paul Portelli, blending natural materials with expres- sive lighting to portray the birth of Jesus in a way that resonates with both spiritual and cultur- al meaning. The scenes high- light local artistry and devotion, drawing on deep-rooted fes- tive traditions that form part of Gozo's holiday calendar. islandofgozo.org Organisers have scheduled the exhibit to run daily from De- cember 13 through January 4, and visitors can view the display during evening hours — typical- ly from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm with some earlier viewing slots — giv- ing families and art enthusiasts ample opportunity to experience the season's highlights. islandofgozo.org The Presepju Artistiku joins a wider array of Christmas attrac- tions across Gozo, where nativ- ity cribs and festive events cel- ebrate both local creativity and the island's strong cultural con- nection to the Christmas sto- ry. These include other artistic crib exhibitions and traditional live nativity scenes that together sustain Gozo's reputation as a vi- brant hub of holiday celebration. Visit Gozo Free and open to the public, Presepju Artistiku is rapidly becoming a must-see event for those exploring Gozo during the holiday period — blending craftsmanship, faith, and com- munity spirit. Artistic Nativity display Presepju Artistiku lights up Gozo for the Christmas season MOTORSPORT fans on Gozo are revving up for an adrena- line-charged season as the Gozo Motocross Championship con- tinues its run at the Ta' Xħajma Motocross Racetrack in Nadur. Organised by the Gozo Moto- cross Association, the champi- onship offers a series of com- petitive off-road races that bring together both seasoned riders and emerging talents from the local community. The championship, which stretches from September through May, has already fea- tured several races this season and still has multiple events on the calendar, including rounds scheduled for December 7, Jan- uary 11, February 1, March 15 and 29, April 12, and May 3. A special summer fixture is also set for July 21, 2026 — all running from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Ta' Xħajma venue. The Gozo Motocross Associa- tion emphasises its commitment to promoting motocross as a dy- namic and inclusive sport on the island, encouraging participa- tion from riders of all skill levels and working to strengthen win- ter sports tourism in Gozo. The group also pursues international collaboration and exchange with motocross organisations abroad. islandofgozo.org Spectators are invited to en- joy the high-speed action track- side, where the roar of engines and the dust-filled jumps create an exciting atmosphere during each event. The races are free to watch and draw families, en- thusiasts, and weekend visitors alike, adding a vibrant sporting highlight to Gozo's calendar. eventsingozo.com As the season progresses, riders will compete for points across the series with the goal of being crowned the Gozo motocross champion at the Grand Finals later in the season. Gozo Motocross Championship gears up for another thrilling season in Nadur The Presepju Artistiku joins a wider array of Christmas attractions across Gozo, where nativity cribs and festive events celebrate both local creativity and the island's strong cultural connection to the Christmas story The Gozo Motocross Association emphasises its commitment to promoting motocross as a dynamic and inclusive sport on the island, encouraging participation from riders of all skill levels and working to strengthen winter sports tourism in Gozo