Ramallah – Palestine Economy Portal

The municipality of Bethlehem, and the Center of Peace, opened the 18th Christmas market on Sunday afternoon in the Nativity Square in the center of Bethlehem, prepping for the launch of events and celebrations of Christmas.

The mayor, Anton Salman, said that 24 delegations of twin cities of Bethlehem participated in the lighting of the Christmas tree. He also reached out to the pilgrims and visitors to come to the City of Christ and join the people of Bethlehem in celebrating Christmas.

The director of the Center of Peace, Rania Bandak, pointed that this market brings the Christmas joy every year ahead of Christmas day. She pointed out that the revenues of this celebration will be spent on programs specifically for children of Bethlehem through organizations and activities, executed by the Center of Peace in Bethlehem.

Father Issa Thaljeya of the Greek Orthodox church in Bethlehem, expressed his joy in the Christmas spirit while Palestine lives under occupation and Bethlehem is under seize, which is a clear indication of the greatness of the city and its people.

The priest considered Christmas as a chance to renew the love, peace and unity in order to have a better future hoping for freedom of Palestine of occupation in 2019.

Abu Jiryes, a citizen of Bethlehem, said that he makes sure to come with his family every year in order to enjoy the artistic segments of the market and to get to know the new products coming from different cultures.     

16 foreign countries participated in this event; and included Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Greece, Russia, Armenia, Spain, Egypt, France, Czech Republic, along with Palestinian institutions and charities that showcased special seasonal Christmas foods.

Happiness and joy filled the faces of the celebrating people and the ones who took the opportunity of this market to buy the holiday supplies.