Christmas celebrations returned to Bethlehem on Wednesday after a two-year suspension, as scout troupes marched through Manger Square, filling the historic city with music, colour and cautious hope amid continuing conflict in the region.
Drums and brass echoed through the narrow alleyways as scouts in crisp uniforms sang Christmas carols alongside traditional Palestinian songs, blending religious celebration with cultural identity. The scenes marked the first full public festivities since celebrations were halted in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during the war.
Faith, light and resilience at the heart of celebrations
Among those attending was Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the highest-ranking Catholic official in Palestine and the wider region. Speaking at the Church of the Nativity, he spoke of light and resilience, drawing from his recent visit to Gaza.
He described witnessing widespread destruction, but also a strong passion for life among civilians. “Even in the midst of devastation, people find reasons for hope and rebuilding,” he said, adding that both Bethlehem and Gaza would celebrate fully again in the future.
Journeys marked by hardship and emotion
Around 1,500 people, including Palestinians and foreign visitors, attended the Christmas Eve celebrations. Many faced long delays at Israeli military checkpoints surrounding the city, despite travelling short distances from nearby towns and villages.
Several attendees said the festive mood was mixed with sorrow over the continued loss of life in Gaza and ongoing raids across the occupied West Bank. Arrests were reported in nearby refugee camps just hours before the celebrations began.
Tourism shows early signs of revival
Bethlehem Mayor Maher Canawati said the celebrations carried a message of steadfastness and peace for all Palestinians. He also pointed to early signs of economic recovery in the city, whose economy depends heavily on religious tourism.
Hotel occupancy rates, which had remained around 25 percent for much of the year, rose sharply during the Christmas period. Local business owners described the return of visitors as encouraging, though many said full recovery would take time after prolonged losses.
Despite the challenges, residents said the return of Christmas celebrations symbolised hope — not just for Christians, but for the entire community.