Bethlehem Municipality inaugurated on Saturday the huge Christmas tree installed in Manger Square, near the Nativity Church.
The lighting of the Christmas tree was preceded by a concert of traditional music and dance and by fireworks. The show was watched by a large local audience.
The huge Christmas tree installed near the Nativity Church has a red star on top of it, representing the Star of the Three Magi.
Israel has closed borders in an effort to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of the SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus.
Christmas is usually the most important tourist season for the city of Bethlehem.
It has been two years since the pandemic has prevented foreign tourists and pilgrims reach Bethlehem for Christmas.
The Nativity Church in Bethlehem (photo above, in the background) is one of the oldest basilicas in the world. It was built by the Holy Empress Helen in year 339 over the cave where Virgin Mary gave birth to our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Photo credit: Facebook / Miral Aama Photography (opening)
