Bethelehem f’Ghajnsielem is a unique project in our country and even internationally for various aspects. It is unique for the fact the organizers managed to blend the nativity story with Maltese culture and traditions. It is also unique for the fact that the visitors can fully participate and integrate in this nativity project for example while you can visit all the main attractions like the bakery, market, tavern etc, one can buy and taste local products. This project varies from other living cribs as it is extended to various experiences, including the fact that one can sleep there overnight in the purposely built-up inn. This project/village is built on a previously abandoned land and now it is transformed like a film set-up of that episode.

This village has been built up 75% from recycled material. More than 4500 used wooden pallets have been used. These were mainly donated to us by Magro Brothers and J Caruana Ltd. A great amount of wood, amounting to more than 6 toms, used from glass packaging has also been used. This has been given to us by Xuereb Glass Co Ltd and Gozo Aluminium. Other wood used amounting to approximaterly 2 tons, was that coming from mushroom packaging coming from Holland, given to us by Casa Funghi. We have also announced the need of used wood and pillars to be collected from individuals instead of throwing them away. We had a very good response on this as those refurbishing homes and farmhouses were able to dispose well of their unwanted material. The organisers also collected small pieces of unwanted wood from an industrial yard which was later used for the bakery and the fireplaces found at the inn. This material was also used to build all the furniture found in this project, example rooms, railings, beds, chairs, benches, windmill and all other wooden attractions. All in all, one can admit that all recycled material is well used at this project and used with intense thought. All this is evident when one visits this unique project.
Throughout the year we also collect logs and branches which are brought over by those who trim their trees so that than they will be used in order to embellish the area. For example the palm tree leaves are used when dry to cover the rooms’ roofs. We also collect old material and curtains so that we can decorate the grotto and other sites.

This recycling concept is used so that apart from keeping the projects’ expense at a minimum level we will be recycling effectively.

This project is serving as a clear example, that by means of unwanted and recycled material, one can easily build such a project that will durate for 5 weeks annually with an approximate 100,000 visitors each year. Bethlehem f’Ghajnsielem is now well know wordwidely and is impacting our economy very positively. It is also certificed by ISO 14001 2004 on environmental management standard. This project also won various awards and is placed with the best 12 Christmas attractions in the world according to the CNN.
It is our aim to keep on working so that this project will serve as an example of how one can by means of recycled material can build such a unique attraction in our Maltese Islands.

Our activity concerning EWWR action is to be taken place on Saturday 25th November by having a full day activity by inviting all volunteers to come and help to build and embellish this nativity village in preparations of this great event by means of recycled material.