Pilgrims flock to Jesus’s birth place to celebrate Christmas
(VOVWORLD) - Thousands of pilgrims arrived in Bethlehem, known as Jesus Christ’s birthplace, to celebrate Christmas.
 The Christmas tree at Manger Square (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
The Christmas spirit was overwhelming at Manger Square, where Palestinian youngsters in red and yellow uniforms march. Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa hosted a ceremony in Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity. In attendance was Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Palestinian Tourism Minister Rula Maaya said the West Bank welcomed 3.5 million tourists on this occasion, 500 thousand more compared to last year. All hotels were fully booked as 15,000 people spent the Christmas night in Bethlehem.