Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/240181
35 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 12 JANUARY 2014 THIS WEEK THIS WEEK Cultural visit to Lija and Balzan THE areas of Balzan and Lija will be the focus of the next cultural tour which will be held on Sunday 19 January morning. Among the areas of interest is Villa Bologna, which was built in 1745 by Fabrizio Grech as a wedding present for his daughter Maria Theresa who married in April that year. Other places of interest include the old parish of Christ the Saviour as well as the museum of the Lija parish church. Organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, these monthly cultural tours have now become a part of the calendar of events which are followed by many participants who want to increase their knowledge of our Maltese heritage. Departure will be from near a leading hotel in Floriana at 08:45. Tickets sell for €12 for adults and €10 for the elderly and children. Booking closes at noon on Wednesday, 15 January 2014 or earlier if the tour is fully booked. Tickets may be purchased from the offices of the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts at 230 Republic Street, Valletta (further down from St George's Square) from Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 15:30. For more information please telephone on 21 232515 or 21 245168. You may also contact us through email noel.damato@maltaculture. com or visit the Council's website: www.maltaculture.com Pictured: Villa Bologna Call for participation of noncompetitive dance groups in Malta Carnival 2014 THE call for applications for the participation of noncompetitive dance groups in Malta Carnival 2013 organised by the Carnival Commitee is now open. Dancers will be expected to participate in Carnival parades and dance events in Valletta. This edition of the Malta Carnival will be celebrated between 28 February and 4 March 2014. Conditions and applications may be collected from the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, 230 Republic Street, Valletta during office hours or by sending an email to noel. damato@ma ltacu lture. com. For queries please contact Noel D'Amato or Anton Miceli on 21 232515 or 21 247913. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 22 January 2014. Download the MaltaToday App now National Crib Competition winners announced IT'S a scene we all know and love. A warm, intimate moment. The human drama played out in a cave where a family huddle together for warmth while three kings from the East bear rich gifts, has captured the imagination for centuries. In Malta, where the tradition of the crib seems to have made a comeback, a record number of cribs took part in the recent National Crib Competition organised by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts over the Christmas period. A total of 74 cribs spread over three categories were open to the public between 18 December 2013 and 1 January 2014. The winners were announced in a presentation held last week, presided by Parliamentary Secretary for Culture and Local Government Jose' Herrera. Besides meeting the participants, Dr Herrera pledged his support for the crib tradition to continue growing in Malta. Originality, artistry, the style of the figurines (pasturi) and the general atmosphere and appearance of the crib were some of the criteria by which the participating cribs were judged. Spread over a number of localities around Malta, it is mostly men who dedicate their time and energy to cribmaking – although the number of young people seems to be on the rise. With its religious significance and decorative appeal, the crib has always been at the centre of the Maltese home. While representing an intimate family moment, it also brought families together during its construction, often through simple materials. The recreation of a miniature world, with its scenes of village life, also seemed to hold a special charm for children. The tradition was further strengthened by St George Preca – every child who attended the MUSEUM was given a small crib showing the Nativity scene. The crib tradition went through a dip towards the middle of the last century when new Christmas decorations were imported from abroad. However, thanks to the work of the Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju as well as the National Crib Competition, the crib seems to be safely back at the heart of the Maltese Christmas. Winners of the National Crib Competition Competition Number One – Mechanical Cribs First place: Giovan Muscat, Ir-Razzett tal-Markiż Mallia Tabone, Wied ilGħasel Street, Mosta Second place: Daniel Bezzina, Ta' Ġamri Court, Stiefnu Zerafa Street corner with Naxxar Road, Għargħur Third place: Vittoriosa local council, Auberge de France, Hilda Tabone Street, Vittoriosa Mechanical Cribs winner: Giovan Muscat Competition Number Two – Large Static Cribs First place: Adrian Busuttil, 'Maħżen tal-Armar', Tower Road, Balluta Second place: Franklyn Pace, 71, Ċirkolu San Ġwakkin, Triq il-Kbira, Birkirkara Third Place: John Cachia, 68, Triq San Ġorġ, Naxxar Competition Number Three – Small Cribs Small Cribs winner: Raymond Deguara First place: Raymond Deguara, Soc. Fil. Nicolo Isouard, 204 Triq il-Kbira, Mosta Second place: Marco Spiteri, IrRazzett tal-Markiż Mallia Tabone, Triq Wied il-Għasel, Mosta Third place: Joey Falzon, La Rosa Mansions', Garage C, Vjal il-Bon Pastur, Balzan An appreciation prize was awarded to the crib by Charles Camilleri for its originality and innovation. This was exhibited at the 'Għaqda Mużikali Marija Bambina – Banda Vittorja' in Naxxar. Large Static cribs winner: Adrian Busuttil