Religious Occasions

• Great Joy festival – Lighting the Christmas Tree

The Christmas Tree Lighting event is a significant occasion in Beit Sahour, held annually during the second week of December. Drawing a crowd of over 5000 people, including locals, nationals, internationals, and prominent figures, the event is a blend of religious and social festivities. Organized by the Beit Sahour Municipality, it takes place in the city center, where the focal point is the beautifully adorned Christmas tree. The event features live concerts of Christmas carols performed by artists from the local, national, and international communities, creating a joyous atmosphere for all attendees. Top of Form

• Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday, observed on the seventh Sunday of the Great Lent before Easter, holds special significance in Beit Sahour. Here, the celebration takes on a unique form, with scout groups actively participating. In front of the church, priests lead a procession, circling it three times while singing Holy hymns and giving praise. Following them are children carrying branches, symbolizing Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, adorned with decorations that commemorate this event.

• Holy Saturday

The Holy Saturday takes place before Easter Day according to the Greek Christian calendar and falls yearly between the period of April 4 and May 8. In this religious and social occasion, people of Beit Sahour wait in front of the Municipality for the Holy light to come from the church of Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Afterwards, a March lead by the city’s scouts, the priests of the city carrying the Holy light, the mayor and all locals walk from the Municipality to the Greek Orthodox church, where the Arab Orthodox Club holds many activities to welcome the Holy Light.  

On Holy Saturday, preceding Easter Day in the Greek Christian calendar, celebrated annually between April 4 and May 8, the community of Beit Sahour gathers in front of the Municipality, where they eagerly await the Holy light from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. Subsequently, a procession, led by the city’s scouts and priests carrying the Holy light, along with the mayor and local residents, makes its way from the Municipality to the Greek Orthodox church. At the church, the Arab Orthodox Club organizes various activities to welcome the Holy Light, fostering a sense of community and spiritual connection.

• Peace March and Candles March

The Candle March, held annually on December 25th, Christmas Day, is organized by the Palestinian Center for Rapprochement between people in collaboration with Beit Sahour Municipality. The event carries the theme “Light a Candle for Peace” and is spearheaded by the Beit Sahour Scouts. Participants carry candles, symbolizing the Palestinian commitment to peace and justice.

• Virgin Mary March (The Dormition and Assumption of Virgin Mary)

Every August, the churches of Beit Sahour organize a procession starting from the Greek Orthodox Church in the city center and concluding at the Well of the Virgin Mary in the old city. Participants from diverse Christian denominations join, carrying a symbolic coffin symbolizing the dormition of the Virgin Mary. This reverent march, guided by priests, the mayor of Beit Sahour, and representatives from local organizations and churches, is led by scout troops from the region.