Syrians Celebrate Christmas Ceremony in War-Torn Al-Zabadani for First Time in Years (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Locals in war-torn Syrian city of Al-Zabadani attended celebrations held ahead of Christmas on Saturday, for the first time since the beginning of the Syrian foreign-backed war in 2011.
People took part in a prayer at a local church, enjoyed a drumming band performance as well as the main event - the lighting of the Christmas tree accompanied with fireworks.
Music leader in the Ensemble of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Al-Zabadani, Ibrahim Ibrahim said that despite physical absence from the area due to the war, the people were still present there 'in their heart and soul.'
Located in southwestern Syria in the countryside of Damascus province, Al-Zabadani was under the control of terrorist groups for several years and was finally recaptured by the Syrian government forces and its allies in April 2017.