Għajnsielem’s iconic recycled Christmas tree has returned for the festive season, and this year’s edition is its most impressive to date. Standing 20 metres high and 8 metres wide, the installation incorporates around 5,000 bottles in its main structure and more than 7,000 bottles across all decorative features.
The metal framework behind the display weighs 3.5 tonnes and was constructed using thousands of washers, bolts, and nuts, together with over 30 kilograms of welding rods and approximately 100 metres of steel wire. New additions this year include two bottle-built decorative arms forming an illuminated archway at the tree’s entrance, complete with lanterns on either side of the square.
Surrounding the tree is a landscaped garden made up of six grassed areas, alongside sixteen environmental messages inspired by Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’, emphasising care for the environment and sustainable living.
The project was led by Franco Ciangura, supported by Joseph Ciantar and a team of dedicated volunteers who have helped the installation gain recognition beyond Malta. In 2021, Għajnsielem’s tree was voted Europe’s Most Beautiful Christmas Tree, further cementing its reputation as a standout festive attraction.
This year’s installation is supported by the Għajnsielem Local Council, the Ministry for Gozo, the Directorate for Culture in Gozo, Visit Malta, and several other entities. Special thanks were extended to the local parish for enabling the tree to remain a central feature in the village square, bringing the community together during the Christmas season.
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