HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

By Khuong Nguyen   December 17, 2024 | 04:30 am PT
Ten days before Christmas many alleys in Catholic neighborhoods in HCMC are lit up with colorful decorations, nativity scenes and Santa Claus models.
HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

On Dec. 15 Alley 82 in Tan Binh District glowed with LED lights and Christmas decorations. A local said three weeks earlier alley residents had worked together to put up the decorations.

Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a major celebration for Christians. The Vigil Mass takes place on Dec. 24, and the main celebration on Dec. 25.

HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

Scenes depicting the Christ Child in a manger are a common sight across Catholic neighborhoods.

According to the Bible, the Christ Child was placed in a donkey's manger in Bethlehem, Judea. Virgin Mary and adoptive father Saint Joseph stayed by Jesus's side. Angels proclaimed Jesus as the Savior, sent to teach humanity to love one another.

HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

Catholics in the Bac Hai neighborhood, Tan Binh District, gather under sparkling lights to chat and sing.

HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

A giant Santa Claus model and a large nativity scene in Alley 38, Chan Hung Street in Tan Binh, draws the attention of passersby. Residents began decorating in late November and plan to keep the festive setup until Epiphany, 40 days after Christmas.

HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

In Alley 219, Dat Thanh Street in Tan Binh, Quoc Dung, a local Catholic man has decorated his house with a Santa Claus model and even installed a snow machine.

"I hope my house becomes a popular photo spot this Christmas," he said.

HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

About 11 kilometers away, streets and alleys in the Bac Dung parish in Go Vap District also shine with colorful lights.

HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

A nativity scene is displayed above Alley 511, Thong Nhat Street, in Go Vap.

HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

People living in HCMC's largest Catholic neighborhood on Pham The Hien Street in District 8 began decorating in early December.

HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

Pham Bui Mon, 64, walks with his grandchild through an alley decorated with beautiful lights on Pham The Hien Street in District 8.

Mon said: "Christmas is not just about decorations; it is also a time for Catholics to prepare their hearts for Jesus. I pray for a better, more peaceful world."

HCMC Catholic neighborhoods glitter with Christmas decorations

A child playing hide-and-seek in a nativity scene at Binh Thai Church in District 8.

As the year ends children go to church twice a week to rehearse for Christmas Eve performances.

 
 
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