The highly anticipated Natalis Notabilis is finally back to grace the quaint streets of Rabat, infusing Christmas cheer after a hiatus due to Covid-19 and financial constraints.

During the month of December, different Christmas markets pop up around various localities, but some are much more preferred than others, and this includes Natalis Notabilis. The event once drew impressive crowds, renowned as one of most authentic Christmas villages on the islands, similar to those found abroad.

Tomorrow marks the village’s reopening, and expectations are high for a turnout matching, if not surpassing, previous years.

Natalis Notabilis is not just the name of the event but also a voluntary organisation, whose aim is to raise awareness and funds for local heritage conservation and restoration. Additionally, its aim is to make profit to distribute to various charitable entities.

Speaking directly to WhosWho.mt, Charlo Vassallo of Natalis Notabilis, reflects on the organisation’s challenges during the pandemic.

“Despite the interruptions, we still had to pay the rent for the warehouse, since we were storing all of our items in it, among many other challenges,” says Mr Vassallo.

One of stalls at the an earlier edition of Natalis Notabilis. Source - Facebook

Last year, economic repercussions from the Russia-Ukraine war along with the those incurred by pandemic, made securing financial support challenging. The organisation, disheartened, announced that despite its efforts the committee found it “almost impossible to find financial backup from the usual sponsor partners and from any of the authorities”.  

In a public statement they even recalled having funding which never materialised leading to the event not being feasible to organise and make ends meet.

Commenting on the situation with WhosWho.mt, Mr Vassallo remarks that “one year later, we are happy that we made it this far and that we are now celebrating the fifth edition of Natalis Notabilis.”

He adds that after all that hardship, the goal was to recover as soon as possible, and although it wasn’t easy “with the help of many people we can finally say we succeeded.”

Mulled Wine served warm on a cold wintry night in Rabat. Source: Facebook 

‘Without a doubt, this year’s biggest attraction is the street lighting’

From choirs to nativity recitals; artisanal products, to food stalls that sell Christmas delicacies, this village truly encapsulates the Christmas spirit. But with this year’s edition being more special than others because of its big return, what sets 2023 apart?  

“Without a shred of doubt, this year’s biggest attraction is all the new street lighting that we’re going to have. It is going to be something that our country has never seen before,” he added.

Additionally, this year Natalis Notabilis received more than 200 requests for participation, “however, because of the lack of space, it’s not possible for everyone to participate,” he explained.

The number of vendors where eventually narrowed down to 80, whose stalls will be varied to accommodate different tastes and interests.

Asked about what social and economic effects this Christmas Village is expected to leave on the Rabat community, Mr Vassallo remarked that during this week of activities, Natalis Notabilis aims to reconnect families and friends together.

Mr Vassallo's parting comment is heartening, "hopefully family and friends manage to spend time together and help with the economy and the businesses that will participate in our cause".