The Maltese 'presepju' : cultural and educational aspects

Abstract

This dissertation aims to investigate the manner in which the 'presepju' forms part of the Maltese artistic and cultural heritage. It sheds light on the inheritance and development of the tradition of crib making in our islands thanks to the close connections with Sicily and other parts of Europe. The dissertation focuses also on how the 'presepju' today still features in various centres and organizations in the Maltese islands and forms part of a considerable number of cultural events at Christmas time. This study provides knowledge about what one achieves and learns when doing a 'presepju' especially when this craft is practised in schools and other centres as an extra-curricular activity. It shows that today the 'presepju' is still popular in the Maltese homes and centres during December. However, we need to improve its appreciation and promote it in order to value its artistic and cultural aspects which give us a unique national identity.