The priedka tal-Milied (Christmas sermon) is one of Malta's oldest traditions that takes place during Christmas festivities. As per tradition, it is an occasion where the Christmas message, during midnight mass on Christmas Eve, is delivered by a small boy, and usually lasts about 10 minutes. Quite the feat for a young boy!

The custom dates back to the 19^th century, when a young boy named Ġorġ Sapiano gave the first sermon at the parish church of Luqa in 1883. The child recounted the sermon from the pulpit, beginning with the Latin words Annuntio Vobis Gaudium Magnun, which means ‘I will give you news of great joy.' Many rejoiced at the end of the sermon, praising the boy on his studious manner and for doing such a great job at remembering the entire speech.

Nowadays, the priedka tal-Milied is delivered by either a girl or a boy, and sometimes by multiple children. The participants wear traditional costumes depicting the nativity. Zach Sciberras, 21, delivered the priedka when he was just nine years old. “It was a very humbling experience to have been chosen to do it. My family was really proud of me for being chosen – as most are, especially my grandparents. I remember that I was nervous, speaking in front of a full midnight mass, but it went well,” he recalls. Who wouldn’t be? The priedka continues to be an important part of Maltese Christmas celebrations.

Never experienced it? Take a look at last year’s Christmas sermon delivered by the adorable Chelsea Dimech in St Paul’s Church in Valletta.

Will you be among the attendees this year?