Ritratt: Facebook ta’ Reuben PullicinoTista’ taqra bil-
Malti.
Young Maltese presepist Matthew Caligari has urged parents to actively introduce their children to the Christmas crib, describing it as a deeply rooted tradition that deserves protection and continuity.
Speaking during What’s On Newsbook on RTK103, Caligari said that early exposure helps younger generations appreciate the cultural and artistic value of the presepju. The programme airs on weekdays immediately after the 12pm news, with a repeat at 7.30pm.
Caligari explained that his journey into crib-making began through his long-standing involvement in Holy Week displays.
For 11 years he worked on Good Friday exhibitions, but frequent requests from visitors to create Christmas pieces gradually shifted his focus. His growing interest led him straight into building a mechanised crib. He described the Christmas period as the most fulfilling phase of his life, largely because of his work on the presepju.
His latest mechanised crib is currently on public display at 13, Triq Birkirkara, San Ġwann. The exhibition remains open until Monday 6 January, with visiting hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 5.30pm to 9pm, and on Sundays from 9am to 12pm and again from 5.30pm to 9pm.
The same message about passing on the tradition to children was echoed by fellow Żabbar presepist Reuben Pullicino, interviewed in a separate edition of the programme.
Pullicino also spoke about an international project showcased this year in Spain. His diorama, inspired by the landscape of Ħad-Dingli, forms part of an exhibition organised by GĦimmanu-El Għaqda Presepisti Għajnsielem in Jerez de la Frontera.
In total, 30 Maltese and Gozitan cribs and dioramas are being displayed as part of a major collaborative exhibition featuring more than 200 nativity scenes. The event marks the 50th anniversary of the first exhibition organised by the Asociación de Belenistas de Jerez.
Pullicino is also participating in a local exhibition in Ħaż-Żabbar alongside three other presepists. The display is being held at 106, Triq iċ-Ċikas, Housing Estate, near iċ-Ċentru Nażaret. It is open from Monday to Saturday between 5.30pm and 8.30pm, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10am to 12pm and from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.
The programme also featured an interview with Gozitan pastur maker Hubert Saliba, who outlined his artistic process and shared his future plans within the craft.
