٠٠:٠٤:٣٥Locals attended celebrations held ahead of Christmas in war-devastated Al-Zabadani, Saturday, for the first time since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War in 2011.
People took part in a prayer at a local church, enjoyed a drumming band performance as well as the main event - the lighting of the Christmas tree accompanied with fireworks.
Music leader in the Ensemble of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Al-Zabadani, Ibrahim Ibrahim said that despite physical absence from the area due to the war, the people were still present there 'in their heart and soul.'
Al-Zabadani was under the control of anti-government forces for several years and was finally recaptured by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and allied troops in April 2017.
Syria: Locals attend Christmas tree lighting ceremony in war-devastated Al-Zabadani
Locals attended celebrations held ahead of Christmas in war-devastated Al-Zabadani, Saturday, for the first time since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War in 2011.
People took part in a prayer at a local church, enjoyed a drumming band performance as well as the main event - the lighting of the Christmas tree accompanied with fireworks.
Music leader in the Ensemble of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Al-Zabadani, Ibrahim Ibrahim said that despite physical absence from the area due to the war, the people were still present there 'in their heart and soul.'
Al-Zabadani was under the control of anti-government forces for several years and was finally recaptured by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and allied troops in April 2017.
Locals attended celebrations held ahead of Christmas in war-devastated Al-Zabadani, Saturday, for the first time since the beginning of the Syrian Civil War in 2011.
People took part in a prayer at a local church, enjoyed a drumming band performance as well as the main event - the lighting of the Christmas tree accompanied with fireworks.
Music leader in the Ensemble of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Al-Zabadani, Ibrahim Ibrahim said that despite physical absence from the area due to the war, the people were still present there 'in their heart and soul.'
Al-Zabadani was under the control of anti-government forces for several years and was finally recaptured by the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) and allied troops in April 2017.