Christmas festivities begin in West Bank town of Bethlehem

24 December 2018, 2:15 pm

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Palestinians are preparing to host pilgrims from around the world in celebrating Christmas in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.

Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the top Roman Catholic cleric in the Holy Land, crosses an Israeli military checkpoint from Jerusalem ahead of midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

A Christian worshiper prays at the Grotto, under the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognized by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, December 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Hundreds of locals and foreign visitors gather in Manger Square as bagpipe-playing Palestinian Scouts parade past a giant Christmas tree.

Palestinian Authority Tourism Minister Rula Maaya says “the whole world is looking toward Bethlehem” and the Palestinians are ready to host them.

The Christmas festivities traditionally bring a boost of holiday cheer to Christians in the Holy Land, who make up just a small percentage of the local population.

— AP