- Title: JORDAN: Giant Xmas tree in Jordan's Fuheis becomes centre of celebration
- Date: 25th December 2008
- Summary: (MER) FHEIS, JORDAN (DECEMBER 23, 2008) (REUTERS) (NIGHT SCENES) GIANT TREE AT FHEIS SQUARE SIGN READING "FHEIS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL" QUEEN RANIA ARRIVES IN HER CAR AT TOWN SQUARE
- Embargoed: 9th January 2009 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Jordan
- Country: Jordan
- Topics: Royalty,Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky
- Reuters ID: LVACFFNLFE19VLKLE6OPVRJATGXM
- Story Text: Christmas preparations in Jordan are at full swing as the Christian-dominated town of Fheis erects a giant Christmas tree at the town's entrance to welcome visitors.
Christmas preparations in Jordan are at full swing as the Christian-dominated town of Fheis erects a giant Christmas tree at the town's entrance to welcome visitors and announce the start of festivities on Tuesday (December 23).
Queen Rania, wife of King Abdullah joined crowds of children and town residents, as well as leaders of the local muslim community to light the 20 metre-high tree, signalling the beginning of celebrations.
Town officials built the giant tree in an attempt to put the small town on the kingdom's tourism map.
They have also launched the first Christmas festival that will run until the New Year, with activities such as Christmas carols, a handicrafts bazaar, film screenings, art galleries and musical performances for both youngsters and adults.
The town's mayor Jereis Sweis said town residents felt privileged that the Queen led their celebration, which he said reflects the tolerance in the Muslim dominated country.
"The Christmas tree has been lit in Fheis as part of activities in the first Christmas festival, which represents the start of a complete programme for many years as this town is distinguished with great atmosphere during holidays ," said Sweis.
Houses around the town and other Christian areas have been illuminating with Christmas lights with the local municipality promising gifts for the best decorated homes.
With many Jordanians having roots in the West Bank, the cradle of Christianity, people remembered the plight of Palestinians next door.
"I wish residents of the West Bank to have peace and I wish that the next Christmas, as we had the tree lit in Fheis by Queen Rania al Abdullah, leaders light the tree hand by hand and peace prevails in the West Bank. I also wish there is peace in Iraq and children enjoy as they enjoyed in Fheis," said town resident Sawsan Fakhouri. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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