Nazareth Christmas festival under way
Nazareth’s traditional annual Christmas festival has gotten under way once again this year, with much festive cheer on display in the various market stands and street performances that are part of this holiday extravaganza.
Tens of thousands of visitors and tourists are expected to visit the city and participate in the festival this week, which culminates on Saturday with a Christmas procession through the Galilee City’s Old City.
The festivities began on Sunday and culminated with the lighting of the Christmas tree in the square of Mary’s Well, which now takes place every night.
The festival includes daily entertainment performances on the streets of the Old City, including street theater, circus and magic performers, fire displays, street music, food stands and various workshops.
The culmination of the event takes place this Saturday with a Christmas procession in which visitors, tourists and pilgrims can participate, with festival floats and musical accompaniment, through the Old City to the Basilica of the Annunciation.
The traditional Mass service will conclude the festival on Sunday evening, Christmas Eve, in the center of the city, which will be broadcast on TV around the world.
“The city is enrobed in celebration and we are excited to receive the tens of thousands of visitors who are coming and give them a special festive experience,” said Nazareth Mayor Ali Salaam.
“I invite all citizens of the State of Israel – Jews, Muslims and Christians – to come to the city of Nazareth and participate in the Christmas celebrations and the Christmas market. Nazareth is a city of peace and fellowship between all faiths and peoples, and there is nothing like a shared experience of the festive atmosphere to prove this.”