One of the most popular holidays of the Christian calendar is indeed celebrated in Syria. Many people have the preconceived notion that because most of the Middle East has a muslim majority, Christmas in Syria is not celebrated – or even that Christians do not exist! Christians are spread out throughout the Levant region and beyond – from Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Syria! Christmas in Syria is actually widely celebrated, not just in christian communities!
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Eastern Syrians
It is no surprise that the Levant region is important for the Christian faith. The events of the bible are set within this region. Thus there are still large communities of Christians in these regions, even after the spread of Islam and presence of Judaism. While always a minority religious group, Christians have strong communities throughout the Middle East.
There are many places of important Christian significance in Syria that may not be well known. The Umayyad Mosque, while an Islamic Mosque, is believed to be the burial place of John the Baptist (Prophet Yahya). In the Christina quarter of Damasus, there is also the Saint Ananias House (Ananias Church) which is an underground church from the 5th or 6th century AD. It is believed to be the place where Ananias baptized Paul the Apostle.
Christians in Syria
After the Syrian Civil War, there are significantly less Christians in the country. It is believed that prior to the war, Christians made up 10% of the population. Today, it is estimated that they make up just 2% of the population. Most Christians live in and around Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Hama, Latakia and Hasaka provinces. The following are the sects of Christianity in Syria: Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch, Maronite Church, Assyrian Church of the East, Syriac Orthodox Church, Syriac Catholic Church, Armenian Orthodox Church and Armenian Catholic Churches, Protestant.
While the Christian communities in Syria are dwindling, there are still many events and celebrations for Christians in Syria!
In August, there is the Marmarita Carnival, which is a celebration of the Feast of the Virgin Mary, held in the small community of Marmarita in the Homs countryside. There is also the Feast of the Cross celebration in September, that celebrates the finding of the original cross by Saint Helene and is held in Maaloula, one of the most important towns in Syria for Syrian Orthodox Christians.
Christmas in Syria
The weather is usually very cold in Syria in this period – there are street lights and celebrations, even Santa Claus can be found walking the streets of Damascus! In the Christian quarter of the capital, you can find many Churches buzzing with Christians celebrating their most important holiday. You can find celebrations in the Mariamite Cathedral of Damascus, the Armenian Catholic Church, the Zaitoun Church and many more. Many Orthodox religions celebrate Christmas on January 6th – but there is still a city-wide buzz on December 25!
Christmas in Syria is perhaps surprisingly a big deal and symbols of Christmas can be found throughout all of Damascus. You can find many locals – Christian and not, adorned in Santa hats and with bells. Christmas trees are present and many people flock to the Qasaa neighborhood to celebrate as a community.
Like many Western countries, large masses are held in the city to celebrate on Christmas Eve. In true traditional Syrian style, you can listen to street music on Christmas day! Of course, no Syrian event would be complete without more food than you can eat, and Christmas is no different!
Do you want to join us this Christmas in Syria?
We have some spaces for our Christmas in Syria tour this year!
If you can’t make it this year, check out our other Christian festival tours:
We run many tours to Syria each year, find a date that suits you here!
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