As Christmas lights illuminate the Gulf and other cities of the region, the shadow of conflict serves as a reminder of the enduring trials many face in the region. This holiday season is both a celebration of faith and a testament to the resilience of communities facing adversity.
Christmas across North Africa
In Algeria, Christmas maintains a low profile due to the small Christian population, yet celebrations occur within the Christian community, primarily in private homes and churches like Algiers’ Notre-Dame-d’Afrique de Bologhine. The festivities include exchanging gifts and attending midnight mass, though these gatherings are modest and less visible to the broader public.
Morocco’s Christmas celebrations gain a unique Maghrebi flavour, with Moroccans of Christian faith and expatriates joining in the festivities. Traditional Moroccan elements like mint tea and local pastries are often part of the celebrations. In cities like Marrakech and Casablanca, one might see decorations in hotels and some public spaces, highlighting a blend of cultures.
Tunisia sees Christmas celebrated by its Christian minority, with decorations in Christian areas of Tunis. The Tunisian Christian community holds services, and the spirit of the holiday is felt in the warmth of communal gatherings, reflecting Tunisia’s historical diversity.
Egypt, with its centuries-old Coptic Christian population, celebrates Christmas with religious fervour, especially on the 7th of January according to the Coptic calendar. Churches are festooned with lights, and the streets around them buzz with activity.
Christmas in the GulfÂ
In Saudi Arabia, Christmas is evolving with the country’s social reforms. While it remains a non-official holiday, expatriates and the growing Christian community celebrate with more freedom than in the past. Churches in compounds host events, and some Saudis join in, intrigued by Western traditions. However, celebrations are discreet, focusing on community rather than public festivities.
The UAE has embraced Christmas with open arms, offering a spectacle of lights and decorations, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Churches like St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dubai host multiple services, welcoming thousands from various nationalities. The message from these institutions focuses on peace and healing amidst global tensions, urging the faithful to be “children of light”.
The Plight of Christians in Conflict Zones
The narrative shifts dramatically in the conflict-ridden areas of Gaza, the West Bank, and Syria. In Gaza, the Christian community faces severe challenges, with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas casting a shadow over any festive celebrations. The small number of Christians left in Gaza have had to adapt, celebrating in small, secure gatherings or not at all, with many contemplating or undergoing displacement due to safety concerns.
In Bethlehem, traditionally the birthplace of Jesus, the Christmas spirit is notably sombre. The city, located in the West Bank, has seen a drastic reduction in festivities, with the usual decorations replaced by symbols of mourning and protest against the violence in Gaza.
Syria’s Christmas this year was marked by both joy and sorrow. In Damascus, a rare moment of communal joy was observed when a Christmas tree was erected, symbolising hope amidst the backdrop of war. However, this gesture was met with opposition from some quarters, leading to incidents like the burning of a tree in protest, reflecting the deep divisions and ongoing struggles within Syrian society.
The Impact of Multiculturalism
The multicultural environment of cities such as Dubai and Doha have a significant impact on Christmas celebrations, turning it into an event that unites traditions from different cultures. In Dubai, home to over 200 nationalities, Christmas goes beyond a religious holiday and becomes part of the city’s culture. Shopping malls are decorated with Christmas trees and lights, and the multicultural Global Village hosts special events that reflect the diversity of traditions from around the world.
In Doha, despite a more conservative approach to religious holidays, the influence of multiculturalism is also noticeable. Expatriate communities organise Christmas markets and charity events, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. Such events bring people together from different countries, creating a platform for dialogue and strengthening ties between different ethnic and religious groups.
The multiculturalism of Dubai and Doha continues to popularise Christmas and integrate different cultures through shared values, reflecting the trend towards cultural inclusivity in the region.
Christmas in the MENA region shows a mix of joy and challenges. In cities like Dubai and Doha, multicultural traditions bring people together, making Christmas a shared celebration across different cultures. At the same time, in places like Gaza and Bethlehem, conflict makes it hard for communities to celebrate, with many focusing on survival instead of festivities. This contrast highlights both the struggles and the resilience of the people in the region, showing how Christmas can unite and inspire hope even in difficult times.
