Christmas festivities filled the population of a Christian village in northern Israel with joy on Friday, as crowds of revelers donned Santa costumes to run through its narrow streets while spectators jingled bells to cheer them on.
Organizers of the annual event in Miilya said 1,200 runners of all ages were taking part, including Jews and Muslims.
"Sport is one universal language for all sects and groups," said Jeries Abu Hanna, one of the organizers.
"It makes for a very beautiful atmosphere," said Tarek Tuma, 37, the owner of a local café.
Tuma added that people from outside the city came to participate in the race.
Miilya's population of some 3,200 is almost entirely Melkite Greek Catholic.
About 2% of Israel's population is Christian.
