03:25Beirut's Christian community gathered at a local Christmas market on Thursday, ahead of Christmas festivities.
The ongoing economic crisis looming has limited decorations and celebrations to a handful of public squares while major streets throughout the city remain bare.
"This year as you can see, there is no decoration or lights, because of the economic crisis, and there is no electricity, the municipality doesn't want to spend energy on roads," commented Serge, a local resident.
"The mood is different this year, it's not a joyful one, everyone is trying to make a living, have some food, that's it," added Serge.
An ongoing energy crisis has prevented the city from lighting up in its traditional festive ways after sunset this December.
Lebanon: Beirut prepares for Christmas amid ongoing economic crisis
Beirut's Christian community gathered at a local Christmas market on Thursday, ahead of Christmas festivities.
The ongoing economic crisis looming has limited decorations and celebrations to a handful of public squares while major streets throughout the city remain bare.
"This year as you can see, there is no decoration or lights, because of the economic crisis, and there is no electricity, the municipality doesn't want to spend energy on roads," commented Serge, a local resident.
"The mood is different this year, it's not a joyful one, everyone is trying to make a living, have some food, that's it," added Serge.
An ongoing energy crisis has prevented the city from lighting up in its traditional festive ways after sunset this December.
Beirut's Christian community gathered at a local Christmas market on Thursday, ahead of Christmas festivities.
The ongoing economic crisis looming has limited decorations and celebrations to a handful of public squares while major streets throughout the city remain bare.
"This year as you can see, there is no decoration or lights, because of the economic crisis, and there is no electricity, the municipality doesn't want to spend energy on roads," commented Serge, a local resident.
"The mood is different this year, it's not a joyful one, everyone is trying to make a living, have some food, that's it," added Serge.
An ongoing energy crisis has prevented the city from lighting up in its traditional festive ways after sunset this December.