Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542320
DECEMBER 31 @ 07:00 - 22:30 Villa Rundle Illuminated Gardens Villa Rundle Gardens Triq ir- Repubblika, Victoria, Gozo, Malta Join us for a truly enchanting evening as Villa Rundle Gardens transforms into a glowing wonderland of light and beauty. Wander through a breathtaking display of dazzling illuminations, where every path- way sparkles with color and every corner holds a touch of magic. DECEMBER 31 @ 09:00 - 12:00 Presepju Mekkanizzat Cultural Centre, St Francis Square St Francis Square, Victoria, Gozo, Malta This intricate mechanical crib features a faithful replica of the first living Nativ- ity in Greccio, lovingly recreated by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. Through a series of beautifully crafted scenes and moving figures, the salvation story unfolds before the viewer's eyes. The grotto of Bethlehem comes alive with gentle motion—shep- herds tending their flocks, angels hovering above, and the Holy Family bathed in a warm, celestial glow. Each figure is metic- ulously detailed, capturing the devotion and simplicity that inspired the original Nativity. As the mechanisms turn, the viewer is guided through key moments of the Gospel story—from the Annunciation to the Adoration of the Magi—inviting reflection on the miracle of Christ's birth and the timeless message of peace and humility that St. Francis sought to share. DECEMBER 31 @ 09:00 - 12:00 Wirja Ta' Presepji, Diorami u Biċċiet Tal-Arti Kunvent Santu Wistin St Augustine Square, Victoria, Gozo, Malta Eperience the wonder of the holiday sea- son at our exhibition of cribs and diora- mas, featuring more than 30 meticulously crafted exhibits. From traditional hand- crafted nativity scenes to imaginative con- temporary interpretations, each display tells its own story, highlighting the artistry, cultural diversity, and rich traditions be- hind these timeless creations. Visitors can explore a variety of styles, materials, and techniques, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skill and creativity that bring each scene to life. DECEMBER 31 @ 09:00 - 17:00 Between Earth, Light & Silence Il-Ħaġar Gozo Museum Triq il-Karita`, Victoria, Gozo, Malta In this temporary exhibition, Gozitan art- ist Victor Agius explores the theme of the Nativity as a liminal threshold — a space where the earthly and the divine converge. Twenty years after his seminal exhibition Nativitas, Agius returns to this sacred narrative, inviting viewers to dwell in the mystery of the Incarnation, where matter meets spirit and silence receives light. Through a poetic interplay of earth, pigment, and form, Agius reinterprets traditional iconography and transforms it into a contemporary meditation on birth, transformation, and the sacredness of being. His works evoke both fragility and transcendence, reflecting the human long- ing for connection with the divine. The exhibition becomes a journey through stillness and revelation, where clay, ash, and light act as vessels of memory and hope. Agius's art calls us to pause — to sense the quiet miracle unfolding within and around us — and to rediscover the Nativity not only as an event of the past but as an ever-present moment of becom- ing. JANUARY 1, 2026 @ 19:30 - 21:00 A New Year's Toast Kempinski Hotel Triq ir-Rokon, San Lawrenz, Gozo, Malta The Gaulitanus Choir, its soloists, guests, and an instrumental ensemble, under the musical and artistic direction of Colin Attard, presents a vivacious and varied repertoire—indeed a musical bonanza for everyone's tastes which ensures a most positive start to 2026. The concert promis- es an engaging mix of classical masterpiec- es, contemporary selections, and beloved choral favourites, all delivered with the ensemble's signature energy and artistry. Audiences can look forward to moments of grandeur and intimacy alike, with each performance crafted to showcase the choir's versatility and passion for excel- lence. This event will not only celebrate the joy of music but also highlight the en- semble's ongoing commitment to cultural enrichment and artistic innovation as it ushers in the new year with vibrancy and harmony. JANUARY 2, 2026 @ 08:30 - 20:00 The Maltese Cinderella And Her Sisters Xewkija Windmill 8 Triq Il-Mitħna, Xewkija, Gozo, Malta Starting from the fairytale il-Germudija, the Maltese Cinderella, once told by Mari- ja of Xewkija to Veronica Veen, will be endeavoured to create your own, individ- ual fairytale. This can go deeper than you would think. Besides, we should not forget that fairytales are a specific literary genre with its own background, demands, and layered symbolism. This workshop will be held on the occasion and and at the venue of the exhibition The Maltese Cinderel- la and her Sisters, based on Veronica's groundbreaking and award-winning book "The Maltese Cinderella and the women's storytelling tradition." What's happening in Gozo Did you know? Ir-Rabat (Victoria) is the capital city of the island of Gozo. The name Victoria was given to the town in 1887 in honour of the famous British Queen's Golden Jubilee. At the same time, the town was raised to the status of a city becoming officially known as Citta' ir-Rabat (Victoria). Ir-Rabat (Victoria) embraces both the Citadel, the ancient fortified city at the centre of the Island, and the surrounding town old Rabat (meaning suburb in Arabic and Archaic Maltese) and its modern additions. Two main feasts are celebrated in ir-Rabat (Victoria): St. George's during the week preceding the third Sunday of July, and the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady during the week preceding August 15th. 2 gozotoday | WEDNESDAY • 31 DECEMBER 2025 EVENTS