Another 1000 years...
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October/November
December
January 2000
Christmas between East and West
Greeks, Armenians, Syriacs, Copts and Ethiopians are celebrating Christmas. |
| 1 Jan. | The Lutheran Church celebrates the Inauguration of the year 2000 - In Manger Square. |
| 6 - 21 Jan. | Christmas and New Year Celebrations: Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches celebrate the season to the Epiphany. |
| 6 Jan. | Choirs celebrating Orthodox Christmas.
11:00 A major choral performance from Russia and Beit Jala and Amman Choirs.
19:30 Special choral performance on Manger Square featuring:
The Sveshnikov State Acedemic Russian Choir, State Ensemble of Cossack Song "Crinnitsa", Vocal Ensemble of spiritual music "Sirrin", Vocal Trio "Relict", Janna Bitchevskaya & ensemble, Soloist of the Bolshoi Theatre Vladimir Motorin, Psaltery player Gennady Lavrov, Young Russian folk singer Pelageya, National Academic Orchestra of Russian folk instruments, Russian artists Svyatoslav Belza and Danchenko Vyacheslav Voynarovsky.
22:00 Demis Roussos - Manger Square. Free entry. |
| 7 Jan. | 19:00 Star Concert - Demis Roussos. Jericho Municipal Stadium Ticketed. |
| 7 Jan. | Al Fitr feast - Moslems in the Holy Land celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. |
| 15 Jan. | Arbor Day - An invitation to Plant a tree in Palestine. |
| 18 -19 Jan. | Christmas Celebrations of the Armenian Church. |
| 18 Jan. | St. Vartan's Choir from New York will perform on Manger Square and assist the midnight liturgy in the Nativity Church. Manger Square and Nativity Church. |
February 2000
Month of the leap year
Thoughts of Peace, Hope, Freedom and Brotherhood dedicated to the new Millennium. |
| 25-27 Feb. | Interfaith Conference - This conference proposes to re-evaluate the past and reconsider new means of coexistence for the future by reviewing the relationship between Islam and Christianity within a historical perspective and initiating a discussion about issues arising from their respective encounters with Judaism. This conference is organized in cooperation with al-LIQA' centre, SABEEL, and PASSIA, and will take place in Bethlehem University. |
| 24 Feb. - 5 Mar. | The Jericho Winter Festival -
A multi-venue multi-activity outdoor festival organized by the Jericho Municipality. Tel. (02) 2322417 Fax. (02) 2322604 Jericho. |
| 29 Feb. | Gift to the future, a day for children -
A tribute to our children and youth as future leaders, coordinated by the National Plan of Action for the Child - Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. |
March 2000
Spring Specials
Walking through the blossoming fields and scenic deserts in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and the Prophets. |
| 4 Mar. | Bethlehem 2000 Cross Country Run -
An international event that kicks off the hiking season in the blossoming Bethlehem wilderness. |
| 4 Mar. | Spring Marathon towards Ein Qinya -
An annual walk celebrating the beginning of Spring organized by the Ramallah 2000 committee. Tel. (02) 2956436 Fax. (02) 2954241 |
| 5 - 8 March | The Dead Sea Film and Food Festival - In cooperation with the Popular Art Centre and the Jericho Municipality, this open-air film festival will be held in special historical sites at Jericho and feature Palestinian, Arab, and International films.
Tel. (02) 2403891 Fax: (02) 2402851 Jericho. Ticketed. |
| 8 Mar. | Ash Wednesday - Beginning of the Lenten season for the Latin (Catholic) Church. |
| 17 Mar. | Al Adha Feast - Muslims in Palestine celebrate the Al Adha feast following the pilgrimage to Mecca. |
| 17-19 Mar. | Strasbourg Days (I) Conference 2000: Dialogue of Hope - Within the framework of cooperation between the city of Strasbourg, Bethlehem Municipality and Bethlehem 2000 Project, a number of artistic, cultural, and culinary activities will take place under the theme of Dialogue of Hope. These activities will include conferences on the Rights of the Child and the family, Cultural Identity and Culinary Art.
19 Mar. Strasbourg Days (II)
15:00 Inauguration of the 14-sculptures road and opening of an exhibition on preliminary sketches and models for the 14 stone sculptures in the presence of the artists. An official street event starting from Manger Square.
14 sculptures hewn from Jerusalem Stone quarried in Bethlehem and produced by famous French, and Italian sculptors.
Modern Art Museum. |
| 21 Mar. | Opening of Exhibition: Silk Threads - Exhibition of Palestinian costume from the collection of Mrs. Widad Kawar. Museum of Modern Art - Bethlehem
Nominal fee for entry. |
| 30 Mar. | Land Day - Palestinians commemorate and honor their attachment to their land as a source of life. |
April 2000
Easter Traditions from all over the World
Orthodox, Catholics, Armenians, Evangelicals, Syriacs, Copts and Ethiopians Christians of the Holy Land celebrate Easter. |
| 1 Apr. | Guided Nature Walks - from Artas to Herodion (with reservations until 21 June). Artas Folklore Centre Tel. (02) 2744046 |
| 1 Apr. - 30 June | Spring Concert Season -
Organized by the National Music conservatory in Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem, and featuring among other performances Bach's St. Matthew's Passion performed by the Consort of Kleine Johannes, and La Pietà conducted by Nicola Piovanni. Tel. (02) 2959070 |
| 15-30 Apr. | Nabi Moussa Festival - A popular festival celebrated by Muslims in Palestine at Nabi Moussa (The Prophet Moses) site near Jericho. Committee for the promotion of tourism in the Governorate of Jericho. Tel. (02) 2321241/2 Nabi Moussa (Jericho). |
| 16 - 24 Apr. | Easter Celebrations from Palm Sunday through Holy Week to Easter Sunday and Monday: Catholic and Protestant Churches in the Holy Land. |
| 24 Apr. - 1 May | April Blossoms Festival for Children - An annual child's festival organized by Tamer Institute for Community Education, the Popular Art Centre, and the First Ramallah Group in Ramallah. Tel. (02) 2986121/2 Ramallah. |
| 23 - 30 Apr. | Easter Celebrations from Palm Sunday through Holy Week to Easter Sunday: Orthodox Churches of the Holy Land. |
May 2000
Village Life in the Holy Land
Palestinians celebrate folk traditions and the first harvest of the year. |
| 1 May | Premiere: The King - A theatre co-production between three Palestinian, Jordanian, and Tunisian theatre groups. Ashtar Theatre.
Tel. (02) 2980037 Opening at Solomon's Pools complex in Bethlehem. Ticketed. |
| 1 - 7 May | Nabi Saleh (Prophet Saleh) Festival -
A popular Muslim feast celebrated at the site of the Nabi Saleh village near the city of Ramallah. Ministry of Culture.
Tel. (02) 2986206/5 Nabi Saleh (Ramallah). |
| 1 - 15 May | Apricot Season Festival - Jifna
A popular festival celebrating the apricot season. Jifna village club. |
| 5 - 7 May | Food Festival - With local delicacies and home made foods, this festival is organized by the Ramallah 2000 committee. Tel: (02) 2956436 Fax: (02) 2954241 Protestant Hall - Ramallah. |
| 4 - 16 May | The Jerusalem Arabic Music Festival - Organized by Yabous Productions in Jerusalem. Tel: (02) 6261069 Fax: (02) 6261045 |
| 5 May | Feast of St. George (al-Khader) - Early morning procession from Bethlehem through Beit Jala to St. George Monastery at al-Khader, popular festival and picnic on the monastery grounds. |
| 14 May | Procession of the Virgin Mary - 15:00 from Beit-Jala to Cremisan Monastery, religious service, popular festival and picnic on the convent grounds with music and wine from the monastery cellars. |
June 2000
Pilgrimages to the Holy Land
Christian heritage in Palestine and pilgrim traditions through the centuries. |
| 1 Jun. | Ascension Day - Pontifical Mass at the Ascension, Mount of Olives. |
| 1 Jun. | International Day of the Child - Street parades special celebrations and cultural events. |
| 5 - 15 Jun. | First International Gathering of the Syriac Orthodox Societies "Support for Christian Presence in the Holy Land". |
| 8 - 11 Jun. | Pentecost, "Welt Kirchentag": the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jerusalem hosts the international Lutheran community. |
| 14 - 18 Jun. | Bethlehem International Choral Festival - Get together of choirs from around the world for Bethlehem 2000. Various venues in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. |
| 16 Jun. | Premiere:The Child of the Promise - A Gospel musical commemorating and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ at the site where it all happened. Manger Square. |
| 21 - 28 Jun. | Fete De La Musique - Throughout this week which is organized by the French Cultural Centers, musicians take to the streets. Street music from France and Palestine will enliven the centers of several cities in Palestine. Bethlehem, Hebron, Nablus, Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Gaza. |
| 21 - 28 Jun. | Palestine International Festival for Music and Dance - International Festival organized in Birzeit by the Popular Art Centre, El Bireh.
Tel: (02) 2403891, Fax: (02) 2402851 Bir Zeit (Ramallah). |
July 2000
Bethlehem 2000 Summer Festivities
The summer season features various festivals in all parts of Palestine - A special welcome to Palestinians in the Diaspora. |
| 6 - 17 Jul. | International Youth Gathering - Youth from all over the world will gather to share a unique experience: a programme of meetings, open-air concerts and historical and archaeological visits will acquaint them with Palestinian youth and the Palestinian way of life. This event will take place in partnership with Bethlehem University and the Guiding Star tour agency. Tel: (02)6273150 |
| 15 - 18 Jul. | Conference for the Palestinian Diaspora - A special welcome to the sons and daughters of Bethlehem and Palestine abroad. |
| 29 July - 10 Aug. | Ramallah Summer Nights
International Festival for music and dance organized by the Ramallah Municipality. Tel: (02) 2956436 Fax: (02) 2954241 Ramallah. |
August 2000
A Celebration of Youth
A summer feast for children, youth and families in and around Bethlehem. |
| 2 Aug. | Feast of Mar Elias: Procession and popular fair on the monastery grounds Mar Elias Procession - From Bethlehem to the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Saint Elias on the eve of the feast. Picnic and crafts fair on the monastery grounds. |
| 1 - 5 Aug. | Sabastya Festival -
A music and dance festival organized near the Roman ruins of the village of Sabastya, near Nablus, and at the Al Najah National University. Tel. (09) 2383046 Sabastya (Nablus) and Al Najah National University. |
| 4 - 8 Aug. | The National Festival of the South - A local popular festival organized in the village of Halhoul, Hebron District. Tel: (02) 2228112 Halhoul (Hebron). |
| 5 - 10 Aug. | Marj Ibin Amer Festival - A local dance and music festival organized in Jenin by the Jenin Governorate. Tel: (06) 2503220 Jenin. |
| 5 - 25 Aug. | Shopping Festival in Hebron -
Organized by the Hebron Governorate, three weeks of shopping extravaganza. Tel. (02) 2228550, 2228112 Hebron. |
| 6 - 14 Aug. | International Youth Festival
Organized by Dar An Nadwa, Bethlehem. Tel: (02) 2770047 Fax (02) 2770048 |
| 10 - 15 Aug. | Hebron Grape Festival -
A local popular festival during the famous grape season in Hebron organized by the Municipality and the Governorate. Tel. (02) 2228550, 2228112 Hebron. |
| 20 - 30 Aug. | Shopping Week in Ramallah -
Organized by the Ramallah 2000 committee with special discounts and prizes. Tel: (02) 2956436 Fax: (02) 2954241 Ramallah. |
| 22 - 28 Aug. | A Tribute to Jabra Ibrahim Jabra -
Renowned Palestinian writer, the son of Bethlehem, will be remembered in a week of events dedicated to his memory, including a 3-day international conference, the premiere of a play based on his novels, poetry readings, a book and painting exhibition, and a musical evening. Bethlehem University auditorium and amphitheater, and Solomon's Pools Conference Centre. |
September 2000
A special international tribute to Bethlehem:
Countries and twin cities celebrate the Millenium in Palestine. |
| 1 - 10 Sept. | International Voluntary Work Camp Organized by the Ramallah Municipality and the Ramallah Federation Society. Tel: (02) 2956436 Fax: (02) 2954241 Ramallah. |
| 2 - 8 Sept. | Italy for Bethlehem 2000 - A week of Italian art, folk and culture. Bethlehem and other Palestinian towns and cities. |
| 17 - 23 Sept. | Norway for Bethlehem 2000 - A week of Norwegian art, food and culture from the city of Saapborg. Bethlehem and other Palestinian towns. |
| 24 - 30 Sept. | The Jerusalem Jazz Festival Organized by Yabous Productions. Tel: (02) 6261069 Fax (02) 6261045 Jerusalem. |
| 30 Sept. - 6 Oct. | Koln Cultural Week - A week of German art, food and culture from the city of Cologne. Bethlehem and other Palestinian towns. |
| 28 Sept. - 4 Oct. | Conference: 2000 Years History of Architectural Heritage Organized by the UNESCO in partnership with Bethlehem 2000 Project. An international Congress devoted to the history of architectural heritage. Tel.: (02) 2742224 Fax: (02) 2742227
28 30 Sept. at Bethlehem University
01- 04 October at UNESCO-Paris
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| 30 Sept. - 10 Oct. | International Book Fair Organized by the Ministry of Culture. Tel (02) 2986205/6 Fax: (02) 2986204 Gaza. |
October / November 2000
Harvest Season
Changing leaves in the Holy Land. |
| 1 Oct. | Guided Nature Walks in the Bethlehem Wilderness (with reservations until 15 November) Artas Folklore Centre. Tel (02) 2744046 |
| 7 Oct. | Palestinian Folklore Heritage Day |
| 15 - 30 Oct. | Olive Harvest Festival - Sign up for the olive harvest in the hills and terraces of Palestine and enjoy local culture, traditions, and food. Organized in cooperation with the Palestine Youth Association. Tel. (02) 2981313/4 Jifna, Birzeit, Salfit, and Beit Jala. Nominal fee. |
| 4 - 12 Nov. | Wine Festival - Wine tasting, local cuisine and Palestinian folklore music. Tel (02)2744825 The Cremisan monastry grounds and the town of Beit Jala.
Open participation - reserve with Bethlehem 2000. |
| 15 Nov. | National Day - Palestinians celebrate their National Day. |
| 15 - 19 Nov. | Songs of Freedom Festival To mark the Palestinian National Day this festival will bring together music groups and artists to share hopes for Freedom and Liberation for all peoples of the world. Solomon's Pools Complex. Ticketed.
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| 26 Nov. | First Sunday of Advent Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony.
Opening of the Christmas Market - Opening of the Bethlehem Arts and Crafts Fair (Christmas Market) featuring arts and crafts from all over Palestine. Open daily from 10:00 - 22:00 until 19 December with live entertainment. Star Street.
First Advent Concert - St. Catherine's Church.
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Another 1000 years...
December 2000 - Easter 2001
Closing of the year-2000-celebrations and pointing the way into the next Millennium. |
| 3 Dec. | 19:00 Second Advent Concert St. Catherine's Church |
| 10 Dec. | 19:00 Third Advent Concert St. Catherine's Church |
| 15 - 17 Dec. | Christmas Bazaar Organized by the Ramallah 2000 committee in cooperation with Palestinian women's societies at the. Tel: (02) 2956436 Fax: (02) 2954241 Protestant Hall, Ramallah. |
| 17 Dec. | 19:00 Fourth Advent Concert St. Catherine's Church. |
| 17 - 19 Dec. | St. Nicholas' Popular Festival - Street parades, fun fairs, performances, and religious processions in the city of Beit Jala celebrating the feast of St. Nicholas, the guardian saint of the city. Tel (02) 2742398 Beit Jala. |
| 24 Dec. - 6 Jan. | Christmas and New Year Celebrations: Catholic and Evangelical Churches of the Holy Land celebrate the season to the Epiphany.
20:00 Choirs of the World on Manger Square: Dedicated to the child
Featuring children's choirs from France, Austria, South Africa, Germany and Bethlehem. Manger Square. Free entry.
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| 25 Dec. - 7 Jan. | 13 Holy Nights In cooperation with the Jerusalem Festival for Religious Music, Bethlehem will enjoy thirteen evenings of oriental and western music to celebrate the Christmas season and Ramadan nights. Concerts include a performance by world famous choir from the Basque Country (Spain), Orfeón Donostiarra. Various locations in Bethlehem. Ticketed and free entry to some outdoor events.
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| 31 Dec. | New Year's Eve Celebrations
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| 6 Jan. - 21 Jan | Christmas and New Year Celebrations: Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches celebrate the season to the Epiphany.
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| 13 Jan. | Eastern New Year's Eve Celebrations with fireworks in Manger Square.
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| 18 Jan. | Armenian Christmas
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| 15 - 29 Feb. | Almond Blossom Season Culinary fiesta around the almond tree.
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| 24 Feb. - 5 Mar. | The Jericho Winter Festival - A multi-venue multi-activity outdoor festival organized by the Jericho Municipality. Tel. (02) 2322417 Fax. (02) 2322604 Jericho.
|
| 4 Mar. | Bethlehem 2000 Cross Country Run -
An international event that starts off the hiking season in the blossoming Bethlehem wilderness.
|
| 4 Mar. | Spring Marathon towards Ein Qinya -
An annual walk celebrating the beginning of Spring organized by the Ramallah 2000 committee.
Tel. (02) 2956436 Fax. (02) 2954241
|
| 21 - 31 Mar. | Lettuce Festival in Artas -
An experience in folklore, traditional food, fresh produce, celebration of century old heritage and tradition in agriculture, organized by the Artas Folklore Centre. Tel. (02) 2744046 Artas (Bethlehem)
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| 23 Mar. | Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra
Performing music of Fairuz, the prominent Arab singer, with special arrangement by Ziad Rahbani.
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| 30 Mar. | Land Day - Palestinians commemorate and honor their attachment to their Land as a source of life.
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| 1 Apr. | Guided Nature Walks - From Artas to Herodion (with reservations until 21 June). Artas Folklore Centre Tel. (02) 2744046
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| 1 Apr. - 30 June | Spring Concert Season Organized by the National Music conservatory in Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem. Tel. (02) 2959070
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| 15 Apr. | Easter Sunday -
The Eastern and Western Easter Celebrations fall on the same day only once every four years.
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| Easter 2001 | Closing Ceremony -
Staging of major event at Manger Square.
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