PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS: A magical experience at Christmas in the Park with a record of visitors

The Christmas village event welcomed around 120,000 persons

Illuminated pathways, an enchanting forest, and immersive augmented reality experiences made this year's Christmas in the Park a must-visit for thousands of families. More than 120,000 people flocked to Salini National Park to enjoy a unique blend of holiday cheer and environmental education, striking the perfect balance between festive entertainment and sustainability awareness.

This event was organised by the Ministry for the Environment and Energy with the participation of various entities within the same ministry.

The park's main attraction was the illuminated pathway, where visitors could explore and seek information on endangered creatures in a novel and interactive way. An area in the park was transformed into the Enchanted Forest, featuring various lighting effects for families to enjoy as they strolled through the area. Visitors also had the opportunity to engage in sustainable crafts, explore the potting shed and greenhouse, navigate a maze, and participate in other educational games.

This year's Christmas in the Park, which took place between the 8^th and 22^nd of December, marked another successful edition, with more activities and festive attractions, including the nativity scene and Santa's Grotto, as well as live performances by local artists, bands, and children's choirs.

Visitors experienced a wonderful Christmas atmosphere while having the opportunity to learn more about the environment and sustainability through interactive activities and information stands by Saving Our Blue, Sustainable Development Directorate, Ambjent Malta, Environment and Resources Authority (ERA), Circular Economy Malta, Energy and Water Agency, Project Green, Wasteserv, and Water Services Corporation. Officers from the Saving Our Blue campaign were also present with the mobile unit, where visitors had the opportunity to experience virtual reality and visit marine protected areas such as Filfla and the remains of the Azure Window.

Minister Miriam Dalli said, “We are committed to maintaining and creating quality open, green spaces that are accessible for everyone. Public events such as Christmas in the Park are encouraged since they bring people together to spend quality time with their loved ones while also learning about sustainability."

“It is truly gratifying to see so many families and children participating in the activities we organise", said Minister Miriam Dalli.

Minister Dalli thanked all those who took part in this popular activity, especially all exhibitors and visitors who made this activity a success and encouraged everyone to make use of and enjoy the open green spaces across the islands.

For more information about the parks and gardens in Malta and Gozo and the activities that take place in them, follow the social pages of Sostenibilità.

Photos (MEEC)