Christmas Magazine 2011

B Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band NSW Inc

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 2011-12 1

It gives me great pleasure to present this magazine for Christmas and the New Year. As we celebrate the season with our family and friends it’s an opportune time to look back on the past year. And what a busy year 2011 has been for the Band. Along with the traditional Maltese festi, we have gradually become a prominent part of a number of feasts organised within the Italian community. As always, we were honoured to take part in the Anzac Day march in Sydney with the the Maltese RSL Sub-Branch and we also participated in the Holroyd Multicultural Festival alongside the Maltese Cultural Association. This year, we also had the honour of playing for some special dignitaries from Malta. In March the President HE Dr George Abela and the Minister for Education, Employment and Family, the Hon Dolores Christine paid a visit and in October HE Mgr Mario Grech, Bishop of Gozo, also honoured us with his presence. This year marked the Band’s 35th anniversary. We are fortunate to still have members from the Band’s inception and at the same time, continue to welcome a good number of new faces, both musicians and associates. There are also some young musicians coming along to rehearsals and gaining experience who, no doubt, will further contribute to the Band in the years to come. I would like to thank the sponsors of this magazine without whom it would not have been produced. Please support them as they support us. In particular, I’d like to thank our main sponsor CB

Travel Adventures and other sponsors, Thuema Engineering and Mandavilla Event Centre. I would also like to acknowledge those who have given donations through the year which help in covering our expenses, particularly Joe Schembri. We have also been fortunate to find wonderful assistance from the various Maltese media outlets in helping us reach the community. A special thanks goes to La Valette Social Centre where we hold our weekly rehearsals and to all the festa committees for organising such wonderful events. Thank you to the other Committee members who have progressed the Band over the last year, to our Bandmaster, Scott Turner, our Patron, Greg Caruana, and to all Band members for their efforts. And thank you to you all, our friends, supporters and audiences. We hope you continue to enjoy our performances for many years to come. May you all have a safe and joyous Christmas and a prosperous 2012.

Antoine MangionPresident

A message from the President

2 Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band NSW Inc


I have worked with Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band for five years as Bandmaster and fellow musician. In that time I have received consistent support in a variety of ways. I have worked with people that share a love for music and collaboration. My involvement with the Band started when my father-in-law, Theddy Galea, suggested my suitability as Bandmaster to the President at the time, Joe Camilleri. I have no regrets in taking up this position. I have been introduced to an extensive and wonderful collection of musical repertoire traditional to the Maltese festa culture. I am currently working with the band to achieve ongoing progress. We will always aim to preserve and practice the traditional marches and hymns whilst introducing repertoire from a variety of renowned composers worldwide. We are working with a wide age range of musicians in our endeavour to maintain and pass on this wonderful musical experience.

Scott TurnerBandmaster

A message from the Bandmaster

OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE MALTESE BAND NSW INC

Visit our website: www.olqpmalteseband.com Subscribe to our email newsletter, On the OffbeatLike the Band? Well like us on Facebook!

facebook.com/olqpmalteseband Watch us on the tube - YouTube

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PO Box 76, Doonside NSW 2767

President: Antoine Mangion 0405 233 [email protected]

Secretary: Arrania Agius 0404 859 [email protected]

Treasurer: Robert Cutajar 0402 020 630


This 9-night itinerary features some of the most popular ports in New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands. Visit

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browse in Noumea's French boutiques. Your final port of call is Emerald

Support the Band by joining this 10 Day Pacific Jewel Cruise. Proceeds to go to Our Lady Queen of

Peace Maltese Band. Ports of call

*Sydney, *Isle of Pines - New Caledonia, *Lifou - Loyalty Island, *Noumea - New Caledonia,

*Emerald Bay - New Caledonia, * Sydney

Antoine Mangion: 0405 233 144

CHRIS BORG Tel: (02) 9622 5779

[email protected] Lic: 2TA 6107 Travel Insurance is highly recommended * conditions apply

Our Lady Queen of Peace Maltese Band

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9 Nights Pacific Jewel Cruise.

Price from $1199* pp twin share. Includes bonus $75.00 on-board-credit per

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Depart Sydney 10th MAY 2012 Pacific Jewel


Karmenu Agius (Delegate), Theddy Galea (Delegate), Orlando Vella (Vice President), Greg Caruana (Ass. Secretary)Arrania Agius (Secretary), Scott Turner (Bandmaster/Ass. Treasurer), Antoine Mangion (President), Robert Cutajar (Treasurer)

The Band ahead of the 2011 Anzac Day March

2011-12 Committee


It had always been the wish of the Reverend Father Ronald Darmenia, who was the Parish Priest of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Church of Greystanes, to form a Concert Band in the Parish of Greystanes. He was always aware of the fact that a large number of Maltese musicians, who had played with prominent Bands in Malta, were living in the local parish. With this in mind, he approached Maestro Joseph Darmanin, a local parishioner, and asked him whether he was interested in forming a Band, preferably comprising of Maltese musicians. Mro Darmanin was delighted at this idea and, with the help of Fr Darmenia, called a meeting of musicians who all agreed in principle to the formation of a Band. Mro Darmanin organised the first Band practice night that was held at the Parish Hall on Wednesday, 4 February 1976. Twelve players turned up while

others promised that they would show up on later dates. Those first members were Mro Joseph Darmanin; Eric Rizzo; Vince Attard; Joseph Azzopardi; Laurie Camilleri; Victor Darmanin; Louis Said; Emmanuel Borg; Joe Farrugia; Joe Zerafa; Sam Zerafa; and John Attard. Fr Darmenia thanked all those present and urged them to bring more musicians with them. It was a good start for the Band and both Father Darmenia and Mro Darmanin were happy with the response. Many of the new Band members owned their own instruments but some had to borrow instruments to play. The Band would also go on to buy a number of instruments to support the Band members. Unfortunately, without warning, Fr Darmenia fell ill and some weeks later was admitted to Lidcombe State Hospital for treatment of a very rare disease. Through May, his condition deteriorated and on 14 June, Fr Darmenia passed

From humble beginnings...

The Band at its first Christmas Party in 1976


away. The Band suffered a great loss in the death of Fr Darmenia who had worked so hard to establish the Band. Despite this loss, the Band took another important step forward. The first General Meeting was held on 23 June with the intention of forming a Committee or at least to elect a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer to ensure the smooth running of the Band. The following members formed the first committee for the Band: Mr Eric Rizzo (President); Mr Joe Darmanin (Secretary); and Mr Emmanuel Borg (Treasurer). Mr Frank Borg, of Toongabbie Catering, accepted the Band members’ offer to become the Patron of the Band. Mr Borg promised to do his upmost to see this new Band go forward. Another General Meeting was held on Wednesday 30 June immediately after Band practice with the intention of increasing the size of the Committee. The new members of the committee were: Mr Laurie Camilleri (Vice President); Mr Vincent Attard (Assistant Secretary); Mr Joe Farrugia (Assistant Treasurer); Mr Joe Zerafa (Delegate); and Mr Sam Zerafa (Delegate). These men, along with the three elected the previous week, became the first Committee of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Band. The Committee then decided to send letters to all Maltese organisations in New South Wales asking them for donations for the newly formed Band. Letters were also sent to some prominent people and the response was enormous. The Band’s first program was held at Kellyville for the Feast of St Mary’s on

Sunday 15 August 1976. A selection of marches and waltzes was played and was received well. Shortly after, the Band appointed Mr Francis Ellul, a Euphonium player, as the Deputy Bandmaster on 27 August 1976. On 13 October 1976 the band took a huge step forward with the adoption of a constitution. The Constitution also made allowances for the inclusion of Associate Members to join the Band. The first two Associate Members were Mr Charles Abela and Mr Sam Vella. During the remainder of 1976 the Band performed for the Feast of Our Lady of Victories at Horsley Park and for the Feast of Our Lady of Victories at Greystanes. The Band was also invited to take part in the Maltese Carnival at Granville organised by the Maltese National Council of NSW. The Band finished up the year with a Christmas Party organised for the Band members and their families which was held at the Sunset Hall, Pendle Hill in December 1976. The Hall was made available free of charge by the Patron of the Band, Mr Frank Borg. This party would become an annual event anticipated and enjoyed by band members and many within the community. Thirty-five years on, the Band continues to build upon these foundation stones, helping to maintain and promote our culture within our community.

Fr Ronald Darmenia


Mro Joseph Darmanin, A. Mus. L.C.M., was born on 29 April 1918. From a young age, he took a great interest in music, taking up the clarinet with the Stella Maris Band in Sliema at age 13 which, at the time, was directed by his father, Mro Anthony (Antonio) Darmanin. Joseph did not only follow his father’s footsteps into music. He also joined the British Army as his father had done in 1905. He joined the Royal Engineers in 1935, however, he continued studying music theory and found success in exams at the Royal Music School of London. In 1937, at the age of 19, Darmanin married Phyllis (née Sammut) and when Italy entered World War II in 1940, he transferred to the Royal Malta Artillery and was promoted to Sergeant in 1941. After the war, Darmanin furthered his music studies and received a diploma of Associate in Music from the London College of Music in 1947. During these studies, he received two of his greatest honours within a period of only a few months. In 1945 he was approached to take charge of the Stella Maris Band for whom he had been playing since his youth. Shortly after, he was invited to be the founding Bandmaster of the Lily Band Club of Mqabba. In all, he spent 19 years directing both bands, only resigning from his positions in 1964 when he emigrated with his family to Australia. Between 1952 and

1955, he was also the Bandmaster for the San Nikola Band of Siġġiewi. Continuing his military service, Mro Darmanin was also promoted to Warrant Officer, 2nd Class in 1960. In Australia, he joined the Royal NSW Regiment, a reserve infantry regiment and became its Bandmaster. The Reverend Fr Ronald Darmenia, Parish Priest of Our Lady Queen of Peace Greystanes, approached Mro Darmanin and expressed his wish to form a Band in the Maltese tradition.

They called musicians of Maltese descent from the area and the

group held the first practice night in February 1976. Mro Darmanin continued in his position as Bandmaster of our Band until 2002, when he

retired after 26 years. In February 2006, celebrating

its 30th anniversary, the Band played a special concert at the

nursing home in which Mro Darmanin was residing and presented him with a special plaque in recognition of his service and dedication to the Band. Mro Joseph Darmanin passed away at the age of 88 in September 2006. One year after his passing, the Band held a concert at La Valette Social Centre, Blacktown as a tribute to Mro Darmanin and his great work both in Australia and Malta. Today, he is still warmly remembered by members and friends for his dedication to our Band and the wonderful musical legacy left for us all.

‘IS-SURMAST’ Mro Joseph Darmanin


Eric Rizzo’s involvement in the Band has its roots long before its formation. In fact, it goes back to when he was a boy in Malta. At the age of 10, he was already playing for the San Nikola Band of Siġġiewi. It was here that he first met Mro Joseph Darmanin who, in 1952, became their Bandmaster. In 1956, Eric’s family emigrated to Australia, where he thought he would never have a chance to play with a band again. Some time later, however, in September 1968 he went to the Our Lady of Victories Festa in Horsley Park. He would always stay near the Army Reserve (then known as the Citizen Military Forces) band that performed there and this year was no different. As he approached, he was surprised to see Mro Darmanin conducting. After twelve years, they had met again! Naturally, they greeted each other and Mro Darmanin quickly convinced Eric to join the Reserves. The very next day, Eric went with Mro Darmanin to the Barracks and he immediately signed up with the 17th Royal NSW Regiment where Mro Darmanin was a Warrant Officer and a director of that Regiment’s band. They were together in that Regiment until 1976.

Mro Darmanin had always been keen to form a Maltese Band and he was spurred on by his Parish Priest, Fr Ronald Darmenia, who also shared this wish. Mro Darmanin said to the men at the Army Barracks that Fr Darmenia had asked him if there was any such possibility. There were six Maltese in the Regimental

Band: Victor Darmanin; Vince Attard; Sam Zerafa; Joe Zerafa; Joe Farrugia and Eric. They encouraged Mro Darmanin and on 4 February, the first rehearsal was held with other musicians who had been called around. The first committee was formed in June of that year and Eric was elected President. Those first years were busy, fruitful years as they saw the Band grow considerably in a short space of time. In September the committee drew up a Constitution for the Band and this was unanimously adopted at the General Meeting held on 13 October. The committee also worked to raise funds and sent letters to Maltese organisations in NSW and some prominent people asking for donations. There was a great response which allowed the Band to buy much needed equipment, including the first of a number of instruments, a tenor

ERIC RIZZO - The Band’s First PresidentIn 1976, Eric was elected as the Band’s first President, a position which he held for a total of eight years. He is also the Band’s Honourary President and, thirty-five years on, continues to play an integral role in our trumpet section.


saxophone used by Louis (Ġiġi) Said. Over the next few years, the Band performed at more and more events, quickly becoming an integral part of Maltese festi and other occasions, and gaining credibility wherever it was asked to perform. In 1981, still under Eric’s leadership, the Band was able to uniform its members first by acquiring caps and later, by 1983, the Band was fully uniformed. Eric notes the assistance of Mrs Phyllis Darmanin, Mro Darmanin’s wife, for her efforts to uniform the women and girls within the Band. The uniform for all, in such a short period of time, was a remarkable achievement. Eric once said that the Band has not only changed the lives of its Bandsmen,

but also the lives of every Maltese person, even, it could be said in all of Australia. This is because it presented, at every Maltese festa, the Maltese culture as it is remembered from Malta. In all, Eric has served the Band as President for eight years, with seven of these being from the Band’s inception. He also held the position of Vice President for many years afterwards and is the Band’s Honourary President. Today, Eric continues to play trumpet and is one of the Band’s most dedicated musicians. He is very proud of the Band’s history and its position within the community and we, as fellow bandsmen, are very proud of Eric’s achievements and dedication to the Band.


La Valette Social Centre was established in 1964 with Fr Paul Baron OFM being its founder. Its conception was in a shed in Doonside where a small group of Maltese, together with Fr Paul, met to socialise. As time went on the need for a Maltese Chaplaincy was felt and in 1978 a block of land on Walters Road in Blacktown was bought where the chapel, named after St Francis of Assisi, was built. As the Maltese community of Blacktown and the surrounding area kept growing, there was a need for a bigger meeting place and in 1986 the La Valette Social Centre was built at the back of the Chapel. The Centre has grown under the leadership of Gejtu Pace and his committee and has 550 members. Nowadays the Centre offers a Respite Service which includes outings and visits to the doctor for those who live on their own. The Centre also offers Day Care Respite every Thursday for those who live with carers or on their own where they are picked up and brought to the Centre, have Mass celebrated for them in Maltese, have lunch and play Bingo and later are dropped off home.

The Centre also opens socially every Saturday from 5.00pm onwards. These evenings present a night of entertainment for the Maltese community. Maltese food is prepared and this is followed by a disco and Għana once a month. Bingo and boċċi are

also great attractions of the Saturday evenings. The Centre hires its hall for Maltese functions and even functions organised by different nationalities. Every so often, various Maltese festa committees celebrate the feast of their patron saint at the Centre and their turn out is always a great success. The Chapel offers two Masses in Maltese every Saturday evening one at 4.45pm and one at 6.15pm and a 7.00am Mass on Sunday morning. In 2004 the Centre brought Fr Paul Baron from Malta to celebrate the 40th anniversary since the first group of Maltese gathered together. For this occasion a monument was unveiled at the Centre. It carries the names of those who gave their time and talents for the Maltese community. The vision of the Centre is that it keeps growing to cater for the needs of the Maltese community.

175 Walters Rd, Blacktown 2148 - www.lavaletteclub.net - 9622 5847

For membership, hall hire or any other enquiries call the Centre on 9622 5847.


IN MEMORIAMLast year, on 27 June, the Band lost one of its dearest friends, Carmel Lino Sammut. Lino, as he was known to friends, had joined the Band towards the end of 1978 where he learnt to play the cymbals under John Attard and Mro Joseph Darmanin. He would also go on to learn bass and side drums with Paul Rizzo. He was a very active bandsman and, after his family, the Band was his primary focus. He spent a number of years on the committee and, until his illness, was Vice President for the last three years as well as the Band’s delegate to the Maltese Community Council of

NSW. He served both the Band and the Maltese community with great enthusiasm. This year, on the first anniversary of his passing, Bandmaster Scott Turner presented Lino’s wife, Connie with a song he composed in honour of our friend, simply titled Song for Lino. We continue to remember Lino and his love for the Band, as well as other Band members who have gone before us.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.


Ġewwa Malta u Għawdex tagħnail-Milied bil-ħeġġa jsir;jistennewh minn sena għall-oħral-għani, l-fqir, iż-żgħir u l-kbir.

Sa minn kmieni niġbru t-tafalu l-pasturi niffurmaw:it-Tliet Slaten, il-Madonna,San Ġużepp u n-ngħaġ jirgħu.

‘Ma fost kollha, l-isbaħ wieħedil-Bambin ċkejken, fil-għar:inqegħduh ġewwa l-maxturaħa jsaħħnuh il-baqra u l-ħmar.

Nagħmlu l-blat tal-kartapesta:karti u kolla maħdumin;flok is-siġar fil-presepjunagħmlu s-sagħtar b’weraq fin.

Ġimgħat qabel konna nxarrbusaff tajjar, fid-dlam, għalih,biex niżirgħu ftit ġulbienau l-qamħ twil, ħa nżejnu bih.

Meta l-aħħar jiem joqorbu,ġewwa l-knisja miġburingħan-Novena b’talb u għana,x’hena u ferħ qalb it-tiżjin!

Hekk inżejnu kull dar tagħnabil-presepju, dwal u lwien,u bis-siġra wara t-tieqa,naqsmu l-festa mal-ġirien.

It-triqat mixegħla waħda,gallariji bit-tiżjin;ruħna wkoll bil-grazzja nżejnu,sabiex nilqgħu lill-Bambin.

U l-Milied saflaħħar jasal!Tfajjel żgħir bil-ħlewwa jfur,jinseġ priedka ħjiel tal-ġenna;l-oħla ferħ kull qalb iżur.

Issa tibda l-proċessjoniwara x-xbieha tal-Bambin,minn ftit tfal subjien merfugħaqalb elf xemgħa mixgħulin.

‘Glorja u Sliem’ iħabbru l-qniepenmal-kitarri u mal-vjolin;mat-tanbur u ċ-ċirimellajgħannu hienja t-tfal ċ-ċkejknin.

In-’Ninni La Tibkix Iżjed’tal-lejl tekser ksieħ u skiet;hienja jtennu t-tfal il-għanja‘Ninu Ninu tal-Milied’.

Wara, d-dar kulħadd jinġabarbiex inkomplu bil-festin:ikel, xorb fil-ferħ u l-għanamar-rigali mogħtijin.

L-għada nqumu u taħt l-imħaddasoldi nsibu moħbijin,li jkun tana l-Bambin ċkejkentalli konna tfal tajbin.

Milied Malti, kif għaddejtliu ħallejtni hawn nibkik!Illum għadni biss noħolmok,għax hekk biss nista’ ngawdik!

MILIED MALTIGħanja tal-Milied A Christmas Poem by Frank Zammit


MALTESE CHRISTMAS TREATS

Christmas LogThe Christmas Log is a popular recipe with many variations between, and even within, cultures.

Ingredients• 220g plain biscuits (Morning Coffee)• 500g walnuts or/ and hazelnuts• 125g chopped cherries - choose different colours

for visual effect• 125g chopped chocolate• 4 tbsps cocoa powder• 4 tbsps icing sugar• 4 tbsps liqueur or spirit (such as rum or brandy)• 4 tbsps condensed milk• 220g cooking chocolate to cover

MethodCrush the biscuits thoroughly using a food processor. Alternatively, place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Mix the biscuits with all the dry ingredients in a bowl, leaving out the cooking chocolate.

Add the liquer or spirit and the condensed milk. Mix well until it forms a dough consistency, adding more condensed milk if necessary.

Shape the resulting mixture into a log.

Melt the cooking chocolate in a bowl over boiling water and use it to cover the log.

Use a fork or knife to make log marks while the chocolate is not yet set.

Refrigerate for a few hours to harden then decorate.

Like other parts of its culture, and thanks to its location and history, Maltese cuisine has many influences and this is no different at Christmas time. While many recipes have been borrowed from other cultures there are some which have a distinctly Maltese flavour. Here are a couple of Maltese favourites to share with family and friends this Christmas.


FENECH FAMILY FARM

Feed your family quality farm fresh eggs picked daily or give them a taste of Malta with our farm-bred and deliciously tender rabbits. Fire up the barbecue this summer with our fresh quail and spatchcock. We offer a wide range of products for your backyard including:

Chicken, cow and sheep manure.

Potting, garden and orchid mixes.

Young laying hens, roosters and live boiler chickens.

Quality, efficiency and fair prices

Address: 53-65 Ferrers Road, Horsley Park. Telephone: 9620 1267 Hours: Mon-Fri: 7am-6pm Sat: 7am-4pm Sun: 7am-12pm

Imbuljuta tal-Qastan - Chestnut Soup/DrinkImbuljuta is a unique Maltese drink traditionally served after midnight mass.

Ingredients• 250g dried chestnuts• 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder• 2-3 tablespoons sugar (to taste)• Grated rind of 1 tangerine or orange• ¼ tablespoon mixed spice• 12 whole gloves• 500 ml water• 50g dark chocolate

MethodSoak the chestnuts overnight and remove any peel.

Put the chestnuts in a pot, adding all the ingredients and cover with water.

Slowly bring to boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour or until the chestnuts are tender. Thicken with additional dark chocolate for a richer taste.


For we Maltese, a Christmas without a crib is not a Christmas at all. In fact, our attraction for the crib is something that starts from childhood. During our childhood, it would be a great joy seeing grown-ups setting that small crib in our home. Apart from being a folklore relic, the crib is also a traditional reminder of the Messiah’s birth. Eventually, it developed from a small grotto or shed to a complex of a valley or a whole village. The story goes that the first large crib in the Maltese Islands was that of the Dominican Friars of Valletta back in 1617. Others, however,

state that the first one was exhibited by the Benidictine Nuns of the Old Capital Mdina in 1826. A Sicilian Monk living in Malta, Brother Benedetto Papale used to exhibit a crib in Valletta in 1875. It is also said that in 1870, Antonio Fenech, had a water-operated mechanical crib in Qormi. Another notable crib was that by Domenico Pace of Sliema (1877). Unfortunately, none of these remain, save that of the afore-mentioned Benedictine Nuns of Mdina. During the 19th century, the famous Neapolitan crib began appearing in Malta, often owned

‘IL-PRESEPJU - The Maltese CribBy Greg Caruana


by rich and well-to-do families. Despite having a lot of artistic merit, their eclectic style and very bright colours were disliked by many of the Maltese who preferred the Sicilian crib, whose style is similar to that of the Maltese crib. Even so, a typical Maltese crib was developed with the clay figures dressed in typically Maltese attire, consisting of a waistcoat, a sash, a cap and sandals. To complement this, they added the ġirna (a stone hut), a windmill and elements of Maltese folklore with folk singers and musicians with instruments such as the guitar, ‘iż-żaqq’ (the bagpipe) and the ‘iż-żavżava’ (the kettle drum). Worthy of mention are characters like the shepherd, the farmer, the fish vendor and the baker, together with ‘ir-rieqed’ (the sleeping man), ‘ix-xabbatur’ (the climber) and infamous ‘l-għaġeb tal-presepju’ (the amazed man). These figures used to be sold at a rather cheap price and were not a work of art, however they helped in the development of the Maltese Crib. This made the crib very popular, to the extent that a

crib made from cement sack bits or newspapers could be found in virtually every home. Other cribs were built from rubble stone and coal bits, which during this age of steam were found in various areas. The Maltese Saint, Fr George Preca, also made a very important contribution. Founder of the Christian Doctrine Society (MUSEUM), he would insist that at Christmas, his fellows give a crib to the children they taught. However, the most important

contribution he made was that he began the procession with the effigy of the Baby Jesus in 1921, in the town of Hamrun. Since the fellows had

virtually nothing for the procession, they had to search for such an effigy. Eventually they found one that was owned by a Franciscan Friar from Valletta. During the procession, one of the fellows held the effigy in his hands accompanied by others holding acytelene lamps. The Christmas hyms complemented the procession, the most popular being ‘Ninni la Tibkix Iżjed’ (Sleep, cry no more) written in 1864 by the Jesuit Priest Fr Andrea Schembri


of Luqa. From that year on, this procession would be held in most parishes of Malta and Gozo. Following the Second World War, electricity and more advanced materials such as glues, wood and expanded polistyrene further strengthened the crib tradition. To add to this, more refined figures began to be imported from Italy. Therefore, it is no wonder that cribs became larger and more artistic. Mechanical cribs started to appear, the most famous being that of the Sisters of Jesus the Nazarene in Zejtun back in 1947. The wooden figures dressed in rich material are very old and were given to the Sisters by a well-to-do benefactor. The papier-mache work was done by Walter Zahra and Joseph Camilleri. Auxiliary Bishop Emanuel Galea was a great benefactor of this crib. At first, the figures used to be moved by hand. Children from the Sisters’ orphanage used to hide beneath it and pull a series of strings to make the figures move. Later, Paul Pavia converted the crib to a one operated by electricity. This crib used to be visited by hundreds of people from all over Malta. In the early 1960s a mechanical crib used to be exhibited in Mosta It was a very artistic crib that was

water-operated. This magnificent crib was the work of the late Joseph Fenech, a man of skilled and crafty hands. The crib tradition has continued to grow in popularity. The Friends of the Crib Society, clubs, Parish centres and other individuals are making masterpieces and they are often aided by the Maltese Government and Local Councils. In fact various crib competitions are being held and they have become extremely popular with both locals and tourists. The crib has also followed the Maltese when they have travelled, being popular with Maltese communities around the globe. It has helped keep the cultural and religious ties of Maltese emigrants and their families with their home country, no matter how far away they are.

Christmas Magazine 2011

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