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Bethlehem, Jerusalem:
Thousands of pilgrims descended on Bethlehem, considered Jesus Christ's birthplace, bringing more cheers to the tourism-based economy which this year recorded the highest number of visitors in nine years.
Fireworks ignited the sky of the West Bank town of Bethlehem as tourists and locals jostled for space at the Manger square, the centre of activities and vendors sold peanuts, inflatable santas, toys and strong Arabic coffee.
The traditional march by bagpipe-wielding boy scouts kicked off the celebrations as musical groups from around the world prepared to sing carols later in the evening.
The festivities will cap off with midnight mass in St Catherine's Church next to the Church of the Nativity, built over the spot where Mary is said to have given birth in a manger after she and Joseph could not find any room at the inn.
"Touching the pedestal was like a dream come true. I have waited for this since childhood. I could not control tears from flowing down," said Nicholas from Austria, who is visiting the Holy town for the first time.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has heightened security arrangements for the event which President Mahmoud Abbas is also likely to attend.
Israel Defence Forces meanwhile eased security restrictions to ease the movement of foreign tourists.
Fireworks ignited the sky of the West Bank town of Bethlehem as tourists and locals jostled for space at the Manger square, the centre of activities and vendors sold peanuts, inflatable santas, toys and strong Arabic coffee.
The traditional march by bagpipe-wielding boy scouts kicked off the celebrations as musical groups from around the world prepared to sing carols later in the evening.
The festivities will cap off with midnight mass in St Catherine's Church next to the Church of the Nativity, built over the spot where Mary is said to have given birth in a manger after she and Joseph could not find any room at the inn.
"Touching the pedestal was like a dream come true. I have waited for this since childhood. I could not control tears from flowing down," said Nicholas from Austria, who is visiting the Holy town for the first time.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) has heightened security arrangements for the event which President Mahmoud Abbas is also likely to attend.
Israel Defence Forces meanwhile eased security restrictions to ease the movement of foreign tourists.
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