Manger Square facts for kids
Manger Square is a famous city square in the center of Bethlehem in Palestine. It gets its name from the manger where Jesus is believed to have been born. This special place, known as the Grotto of the Nativity, is inside the Church of the Nativity. This church has been a holy site since the 300s. Other important buildings in Manger Square include the Mosque of Omar, which is the only mosque in Bethlehem's Old City, and the Palestinian Peace Center. The streets leading to the square, like Star Street and Nativity Street, also have names connected to Christian history.
Between 1998 and 1999, the square was updated to help with traffic. Now, much of it is just for people walking. It's a popular spot for local people to meet and for the many visitors who come to Bethlehem. The square has rows of celtis australis trees that give shade. There are also benches and fountains made from a yellowish-white local stone called Naqab marble.
Christmas in Bethlehem
Manger Square is the main place for all the Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem. A huge Christmas tree stands tall in the square. It's the traditional spot where local people and visitors sing Christmas carols. They sing before the special midnight church service at the Church of the Nativity.
Different Christian groups celebrate Christmas on different days. The Greek Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church use the Julian calendar. The Roman Catholic Church uses the more modern Gregorian calendar. This means their Christmas Eve services happen on different dates. Roman Catholics celebrate Jesus' birth on December 25th. Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 7th.
A Place for Events
Manger Square is also used for other events. On April 21, 2013, the square was both the start and finish line for the Palestine Marathon. This shows how the square is a central part of community life.
A Time of Challenge
In May 2002, during a time of conflict, some local people and peace activists went into the Church of the Nativity for safety. This led to a five-week stand-off in the square. Around 120 to 240 people were inside the church compound. The situation ended peacefully with an agreement. Some people left the area, and others were set free. After the stand-off, officials found and removed about 40 explosive devices from the church compound.
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See also
In Spanish: Plaza del Pesebre para niños
