04:32Residents and spectators gathered for the annual Christmas nativity procession at the Church of Saint Catherine on Friday after last year's parade was cancelled due to a lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Palestinian scout troops with flags marched towards Manger Square, playing drums and bagpipes while people gathered to watch the spectacle.
The procession was held following a COVID hygiene protocol.
"We, in the Palestinian police, and the security establishment in general, have taken all the preparations and equipment to secure the activities of the celebration. Security forces were deployed, about 600 police officers, who are assigned to secure this event for today," said local Police Director Tarik Al-Hajj.
This year's procession was headed by the acting Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who was greeted and accompanied by officials and clergy. Following the parade, a midnight mass will be held at the Church of Nativity, built over a cave, where, according to Christian beliefs, Jesus Christ was born.
State of Palestine: Bethlehem resumes annual nativity parade at Saint Catherine church
Residents and spectators gathered for the annual Christmas nativity procession at the Church of Saint Catherine on Friday after last year's parade was cancelled due to a lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Palestinian scout troops with flags marched towards Manger Square, playing drums and bagpipes while people gathered to watch the spectacle.
The procession was held following a COVID hygiene protocol.
"We, in the Palestinian police, and the security establishment in general, have taken all the preparations and equipment to secure the activities of the celebration. Security forces were deployed, about 600 police officers, who are assigned to secure this event for today," said local Police Director Tarik Al-Hajj.
This year's procession was headed by the acting Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who was greeted and accompanied by officials and clergy. Following the parade, a midnight mass will be held at the Church of Nativity, built over a cave, where, according to Christian beliefs, Jesus Christ was born.
Residents and spectators gathered for the annual Christmas nativity procession at the Church of Saint Catherine on Friday after last year's parade was cancelled due to a lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
Palestinian scout troops with flags marched towards Manger Square, playing drums and bagpipes while people gathered to watch the spectacle.
The procession was held following a COVID hygiene protocol.
"We, in the Palestinian police, and the security establishment in general, have taken all the preparations and equipment to secure the activities of the celebration. Security forces were deployed, about 600 police officers, who are assigned to secure this event for today," said local Police Director Tarik Al-Hajj.
This year's procession was headed by the acting Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who was greeted and accompanied by officials and clergy. Following the parade, a midnight mass will be held at the Church of Nativity, built over a cave, where, according to Christian beliefs, Jesus Christ was born.