Christmas in Malta - The Maltese Crib

Christmas Traditions in Malta

The Maltese tradition of crib making (“presepju”) was influenced from Sicilian cribs. The earliest Maltese crib known was built at the Dominican Friars Church in Rabat in 1617. Another crib dated on the framework 1826 is found at the Benedictine Nuns in Mdina Malta; and another from the same period is found in Birgu, which has been over restored and not much left from the original. As cribs became more popular they also became more ‘Maltese’ with people replacing the Italian looking buildings and workers with local ones. Flour windmills were and are still popular features in a crib scene.

In Malta, two types of cribs are made-either in the shape of a grotto, or as the traditional large crib. The popular family crib (“presepju tal-familja”), is made with simple materials such as a thin wood base and chicken wire to hold the structure, this is covered with ‘paper mache’, made with home made flour glue. When finished, the crib is left to dry for days, before being painted with bright powder colour. Cardboard, burnt coal or pieces of rustic stone, easily found in Maltese countryside are used to structure larger cribs. Most cribs feature Jerusalem city as the back scenery. Some large cribs are worked mechanically creating the figures and other features moving around the countryside of Jerusalem with various caves, valley, hills with one word and streams.

The first Nativity scenes were decorated with expensive clay figures from Sicily. People could not afford to buy them, so several local crib dilettante, started moulding small clay figures and hand painted the face, hands and clothes. They were very rough and easily broken, so plaster moulds with local earth clay were used, and pressed to produce figurines called “pasturi”, derived from the Italian word “pastore”, which means shepherd, they were sold in many shops for a penny- “pasturi tas-sold”.

The most popular “pasturi”, were dressed in Maltese costumes, representing traditional crafts such as farmers, shepherds, the baker, climber, and the simple man full of wonder with both hands lifted up. Other popular “pasturi” include the musicians, the bagpipe player, the hand drummer, the friction drum player, and the two partners of Maltese folk singers.

The crib has become part of our country's traditions. With great pride the whole family shows the decorated crib to every one who visits their home during the Christmas festive season.

If you are planning a visit to Malta enjoy your stay in a Luxury Malta hotel. The Excelsior Hotel Malta Team will make sure that you experience the unique Maltese Traditions.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Excelsior Hotel Malta

Madame Secretary Hillary Clinton with Team Members of Grand Hotel Excelsior

VALLETTA, MALTA, October 2011 - The management and staff at the Grand Hotel Excelsior are extremely honoured to have had the opportunity to host the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her successful visit to Malta on the 18th October 2011.

With the Corporate Sales Team

The Grand Hotel Excelsior strongly believes in its commitment to promote Maltese hospitality to all its distinguished guests. Madame Secretary left a note note in the Hotel’s Visitor Guestbook saying “Thank you for your gracious hospitality and warm welcome to Malta. All the best.”



Mr Mario Attard, Owner’s Representative

 This was one of a series of events where the Grand Hotel Excelsior played host to prominent people. For the past three years, the hotel played host to the well known artists performing at the yearly concert, Isle of MTV - Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias, Black Eyed Peas, Scissor Sisters, David Guetta, Kid Rock, Kelis to name but a few. Tom Jones, Rod Stewart and Ronan Keating, who were in Malta to give a concert, also chose to stay here.

Stay updated with more top Malta events and news from this superior Luxury Malta Hotel.

Former Prime Minister of Italy stays at the Grand Hotel Excelsior Malta

VALLETTA, MALTA, July 2011 - Earlier this month, the Grand Hotel Excelsior was honoured to host Professor Giuliano Amato and Mrs Amato during a visit to Malta. Professor Amato is President of the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy Committee, and Vice President of the Convention of the Future of Europe. He twice served as Prime Minister of Italy and was elected to the Senate, representing Tuscany.

Professor Amato expressed his pleasure with the warm welcome extended at the Hotel. “I am impressed that all of you can speak Italian”, Professor Amato told team members as he was checking into his room. Italian tourists, who happened to be in the Hotel’s lobby upon his arrival, were surprised and very enthusiastic to see one of their leading politicians.

For an enjoyable holiday in Malta packed with events and activities stay in a centrally located Luxury Malta Hotel which is within walking distance to the capital city, Valletta.