The Island of Malta follows the traditional timeline of a Christian Christmas but they have a few traditions that make them unique. The citizens of Malta build and place cribs called presepjis throughout the towns in public places and private homes. The cribs are decorated with clay figures of shepherds, street singers and baby Jesus. This tradition started in 1826 and the first known crib was found with the Benedictine Nuns. They also decorate the streets with lights that they call festunis and have a procession through the streets with children carrying small statues of Jesus and singing Christmas carols.
The traditional Christmas meal includes turkey and pudding, which was started by British soldiers, who were stationed in Malta during the first and second wars. They also make a dish called timpana that is baked macaroni covered with crusty pastry.
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