ISRAEL: Christians enjoy the Christmas spirit in Nazareth, revered as the hometown of Jesus

Record ID: 397320

  • Title: ISRAEL: Christians enjoy the Christmas spirit in Nazareth, revered as the hometown of Jesus
  • Date: 25th December 2011
  • Summary: ACTORS DRESSED AS ANGLES SITTING TO REST CLERGYMEN WALKING IN PROCESSION TOWARDS THE CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION, BELIEVED TO BE THE SPOT WHERE VIRGIN MARY WAS TOLD BY AN ANGEL THAT SHE WAS CARRYING THE SON OF GOD POSTER ON VIRGIN MARY AND BABY JESUS ON CAR DURING PARADE STREET STALL SELLING CHRISTMAS PRODUCTS VARIOUS OF THE CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION ***NIGHT SHOTS***
  • Embargoed: 9th January 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Israel, Israel
  • Country: Israel
  • Topics: Religion
  • Reuters ID: LVA883AJW7EMQMS4YCUY2EFM12AU
  • Story Text: Hundreds of local and visiting Christians enjoyed Christmas eve celebrations in the Arab-Israeli city of Nazareth on Saturday (December 24), revered as the home town of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.
    Marching bands, decorated floats and clergymen walked in procession towards the Church of the Annunciation, where worshippers believe Mary was told by the Angel Gabriel that she would give birth to the son of God.
    Some of the planned Nazareth celebrations, including a huge fireworks display, were cancelled at the last minute due to pouring rain.
    Even so, tourists said they were enjoying the festivities.
    "We had the opportunity to be in Israel on Christmas eve and Christmas day, and we thought it would be a wonderful chance to come to Nazareth, and experience this cultural event together as a family, and for my son. And it's beautiful, absolutely wonderful. Very different than Christmas at home," said Andrea, who was visiting from Canada.
    At midnight, hundreds are expected to participate in a Christmas Mass at the church.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2011. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
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