Għajnsielem’s Towering Christmas Tree Shines with 7,000 Recycled Bottles
Għajnsielem has raised the bar again this Christmas. The village’s much-loved tree now stands at a striking 20 metres high and eight metres across, a glowing sculpture built from thousands of recycled bottles that catch the light in a way ordinary decorations never quite manage. For a town tucked at the very gateway to Gozo, it sets quite the welcome.
If you are not familiar with the village, Għajnsielem sits on the southeastern edge of the island, just minutes from the Mgarr Ferry Terminal. If you are travelling from Malta, the Gozo Channel ferry is the most straightforward route. It runs throughout the day and the crossing lasts around twenty minutes. Once you arrive in Gozo, the village is a pleasant walk or an even shorter bus ride from the harbour, making the tree an easy first stop on a winter visit to the island.
Here’s the thing, beneath all the glittering sparkle is a surprisingly complex structure. The frame weighs 3.5 tonnes and is held together with an impressive mix of washers, bolts, nuts, welding rods and steel wire. Two bottle-lined arms form a welcoming archway at the entrance, with lanterns hanging neatly on either side. Count everything together and the tree and its features incorporate over 7,000 recycled bottles, each one emebdded into the design with purpose rather than being thrown away.
A small garden surrounds the base, planted with six patches of real grass, and sixteen short reflections from Pope Francis’ Laudato Si are displayed throughout the area. They add a lovely quiet environmental thread, enough to make you pause without disturbing the festive atmosphere.
As for who is behind it, the creative lead for the project is Franco Ciangura, supported by Joseph Ciantar and a dedicated team of volunteers. Their work has travelled far beyond Gozo, and in 2021 the installation was voted the most beautiful Christmas tree in Europe. It is the sort of recognition that feels earned rather than engineered.
What’s more, local backing remains strong. The Għajnsielem Local Council, Ministry for Gozo, Directorate for Culture in Gozo, Visit Malta and several central government entities all play a part in keeping the tradition alive. The parish also contributes by offering the village square as the tree’s stage, placing it in the centre of daily life where residents and visitors naturally gather.
The end result is a festive landmark that draws people in, a bright focal point for winter evenings and a gentle example of how creativity and sustainability can share the same space. If you are spending time in Gozo during the holidays, it is worth the short detour. A warm, glowing start to the island’s slower, quieter kind of Christmas.
