Thousands of visitors descend upon traditional birthplace of Jesus as Christmas tourism returns to Palestine's Bethlehem city after two years of Covid-related curbs
Tourism is the economic lifeblood of this town in the occupied West Bank, and for the past two years, the pandemic kept international visitors away.
"We are celebrating Christmas this year in a very much different way than last year," Palestine's Tourism Minister Rula Maayah said on Saturday.Throughout the day, hundreds of people strolled through Manger Square for Christmas Eve celebrations. Cool grey weather, along with an occasional rain shower, did little to dampen spirits, though many people headed indoors to shops and restaurants to warm up. Girls scouts march during Christmas parade in Manger Square, adjacent to the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem.
Daisy Lucas, a 38-year-old Filipina who works in Israel, said it was a dream come true to mark the holiday in such an important place."This is the birthplace of Jesus Christ. As a Christian, that's one achievement that's on my bucket list."
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