10,000 visit Ghajnsielem's live crib

27,631 persons crossed the Gozitan channel over the Christmas period, with 10,000 visiting the Ta' Passi live crib - 'Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem' - on Sunday alone.

The rate of attendees was a record that went over and above the 7,000 visits back in 2010.

The Malta Records confirmed that Bethlehem in Ghajnsielem had been the largest live crib ever with 201 players and 25 different types of animals and birds.

37 players were from Tolfa, in Italy.

The Gozo Channel company carried over 54,000 between Friday and Sunday, and 12,249 cars in 190 trips between the two islands.

Bethlehem in Għajnsielem will be held on Wednesday 1 January, and Saturday and Sunday, 4,5 January 2014 for the arrival of the Magi, commemorating the visit of the Three Wise Men to the nativity scene, according to Catholic heritage.