Maltese craftsmanship and tradition are taking centre stage in Rome, with six Maltese nativity cribs featured in a prestigious international exhibition of presepi at the Basilica of Sant’Andrea della Valle. The exhibition brings together 45 nativity scenes from 20 different countries, celebrating the rich diversity and artistry of this centuries-old Christmas tradition.

Malta’s participation was coordinated through the Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju Għawdex - Malta 1985, with full transport costs covered by the Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering. The official inauguration of the exhibition took place on Saturday, 6 December 2025, marking an important milestone for Maltese voluntary work and cultural representation abroad.

Eight Maltese volunteers assisted in the mounting of the exhibition, working alongside participants from countries renowned for their presepju traditions, including Spain, Italy, Austria and Germany. Coinciding with the event was the inauguration of the Presepju Museum in Greccio, a town closely linked to the origins of the nativity tradition.

A Maltese presepju created by artist Benny Camilleri and presented by the Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju Għawdex - Malta 1985, has been selected by the local mayor for permanent display in the museum, further cementing Malta’s cultural presence in Italy.

The exhibition will remain open to the public until 2 February 2026 and is expected to attract thousands of visitors from around the world.

Do you set up your own presepju at home?