Malta is said to have had a population of up to 98% Roman Catholic residents during the past few decades. (Roman Catholics practice a type of Christian religion.) However, in recent years, more and more people of all religions have been moving to Malta, so it is becoming more religiously diverse. But overall, this country embraces a traditional Catholic view of Christmas, with many Christmas markets and celebrations around the island.
I learned about Natalis Notabilis, a festival that is often considered the most beautiful and authentic (traditional) Christmas market in Malta. The churches lining the streets host Christmas concerts, market stalls sell traditional Maltese holiday foods and artisanal crafts, and beautiful lights illuminate it all. Perhaps what makes this market the most special, however, is the many nativity scenes (showing the birth of Jesus) handmade by locals that are displayed around the market. It is a Maltese tradition to handmake nativities in different forms as a way of honoring what they view to be the true meaning of Christmas.
