BETHLEHEM, Palestinian Territories (AFP) — Scouts marched under a clear blue sky in Bethlehem on Wednesday, as the Palestinian city emerged from the shadow of the war in Gaza to celebrate its first festive Christmas in more than two years.

Throughout the Gaza war that began with Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, a somber tone had marked Christmases in the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ.

But on Wednesday, celebrations were in full swing again in the occupied West Bank city, as a fragile truce held in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are facing the winter in makeshift tents.

The sound of drums and bagpipes playing renditions of popular Christmas carols filled the air, as Christians young and old made their way to the city’s central Manger Square.

“Today is full of joy because we haven’t been able to celebrate because of the war,” said Milagros Anstas, 17, dressed in the yellow and blue uniform of Bethlehem’s Salesian scout group.

Hundreds of people took part in the parade down Bethlehem’s narrow Star Street, while a dense crowd massed in the square.

Men dressed as Santa Claus sold toffee apples and toys as families took photographs in front of a nativity scene framed by a giant star. 

As evening fell, multi-colored lights shone over Manger Square and a towering Christmas tree glittered next to the Church of the Nativity.

The basilica dates back to the fourth Century and was built on top of a grotto where Christians believe Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago.

Bethlehem residents hope the return of Christmas festivities will breathe life back into the city.

“We need to get the message to the whole world and this is the only way,” said George Hanna, from the neighboring town of Beit Jala.

“What is Christmas without celebrating?”

Bethlehem’s municipality toned down Christmas festivities while war raged in Gaza, but a United States-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has halted full-scale fighting there since October.

“This year we want a Christmas full of light because this is what we need after two years of darkness,” said Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, before leading Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity.