One of Gozo’s most popular Christmas attractions, Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem, attracts thousands of people every year to the incredible living nativity village just five minutes away from the Mgarr Harbour.

Visitors visit the village every year to see the story of the birth of Jesus enacted right in front of them, and are impressed by the beautiful religious scenes coming to life in front of them. 

But a number of visitors to the site this week were given an extra realistic showing when a donkey featured in the nativity crib proceeded to give birth right in front of them.

Just two days after the nativity village opened this year, right in the middle of a busy day for the crib, a pregnant donkey moved to the side and gave birth to a hinny, which is the offspring of a female donkey and a male horse.

Visitors flocked to the crib to see the newborn hinny as the news travelled around the nativity village, and the birth added to the joyous and festive atmosphere, making the day extra special for one and all.

Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem features about 150 actors in various roles straight out of the time of Jesus 2000 years ago. With everything from horses turning mills, shepherds inhabiting caves, and animals roaming in enclosed spaces, it is no wonder that international outlets like CNN called it “a unique experience not worth missing.” 

How would you have reacted if you saw the hinny being born in front of you?

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Johnathan Cilia

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]