Bethlehem celebrates a subdued Christmas

Christmas in Bethlehem is usually a festive and colourful season. This year, festivities in the Palestinian town are set to return – but the COVID-19 pandemic is still casting a shadow on celebrations

Bagpipes, trumpets and drums can be heard from far away. It's early evening here in Beit Sahour, a small town close to Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. Young Palestinian musicians from one of the local Scout groups are practicing their formations on the sports field near the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the predominantly Christian city.

"This year, we have been training hard. Most members have been practicing almost daily for the march and to partake in the Christmas festivities," says Dafer Kassis, leader of the church Scout troop. 

© Deutsche Welle 2021

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