This weekend, Heritage Malta is transforming Fort St Angelo in a Christmas village wherein the public can enjoy traditional activities related to the festive season, guided tours of the Fort, choir singing and music. There will be free admission during this event.
On Friday 6th December, the Fort will open its doors at 5.00pm, and at 5.30pm, the public will be welcomed by the music of the Malta School of Music Junior Orchestra Violin Ensemble. A talk in Maltese about the history of the traditional crib by renowned artisan Pawlu Muscat will follow. Attending children can try their hand at Christmas decorations organised by the Heritage Malta Education and Outreach Department. The Centrestage Choir will enhance the festive ambience with the singing of Christmas carols. The public can also join a guided tour of the Fort in English at 9.00pm. The Fort will close at 11.00pm (last admission 10.30pm). During regular opening hours, from 9.00am to 5.00pm, the usual admittance fee will apply.
On Saturday 7th December, the day will start at 9.00am. Children can participate in activities designed to give them the opportunity to delve into the main local traditions such as preparing the pudina tal-ħobż (bread pudding), constructing a paper crib inspired from the traditional Maltese nativity scene, the traditional procession of Baby Jesus and art activities. Pawlu Muscat will talk about the history of the traditional crib. A performance by the Malta School of Music will follow. The public can join a guided tour of the Fort in Maltese at 7.00pm and in English at 9.00pm. The Fort will close at 11.00pm (last admission 10.30pm).
On Sunday 8th December, the public can attend at the Fort from 9.00am. Activities for children will start at 10.00am and will include art activities, the preparation of the pudina tal-ħobż, the construction of a paper crib and information about the traditional procession of Baby Jesus. Mass will be celebrated at the Fort at 10.30am. The public can join a guided tour of the Fort in Maltese at noon and in English at 4.00pm. Music by the Malta School of Music and carol singing by the Centrestage Choir will enhance the merry atmosphere. The Fort will close at 8.00pm (last admission 7.30pm).
Throughout the three days, the public can also visit a small exhibition of miniature cribs from different countries which were donated to Heritage Malta by Albert and Lina McCarthy.
Some stalls will offer artisan gifts while Heritage Malta will be presenting a series of special offers on its various publications. Food stalls in the food court at the Officers’ Lounge Terrace will serve a selection of cold and warm snacks, Maltese Christmas delicacies and warm Christmas drinks.
Children can keep a memory of this experience by taking a photo with Father Christmas.
A ticket is required for guided tours (€2 each), art activities (€3), and children’s activities (€5 each). Tickets are available from Heritage Malta museums and sites or from the reception at Fort St Angelo during the event. These activities are on first-come, first-served basis. In the case of bad weather, please consult the Facebook event page for an updated programme