Covid 19 coronavirus dampens Christmas joy in Bethlehem and worldwide
24 Dec, 2020 11:00 PM
6 minutes to read
Palestinian scout bands parade through Manger Square at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognised by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, on Christmas Eve in the West Bank. Photo / AP
Palestinian scout bands parade through Manger Square at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognised by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ, on Christmas Eve in the West Bank. Photo / AP
AP
Bethlehem has ushered in Christmas Eve with a stream of joyous marching bands and the triumphant arrival of the top Catholic clergyman in the Holy Land, but few people were there to greet them as the coronavirus pandemic and a strict lockdown dampened celebrations in the traditional birthplace of Jesus.