Queen Rania lights Christmas Tree

ALBAWABA - Jordan's Queen Rania joined residents of the predominantly Christian city of Fuheis for the lighting of a Christmas tree.

The event took place on Tuesday at the Al-Qanater Amphitheatre in the heart of the city, which lies on the northwestern edge of the capital Amman. The queen also toured a nearby art gallery and the holiday market at Haret Al Rowaq district in Fuheis, which is situated in Balqa Governorate.

The queen was received by top local officials, dignitaries and religious figures, which included Balqa Deputy Governor Ali Al-Batayneh, Mahis and Fuheis Governor Sattam Al-Majali, Fuheis Mayor Omar Akroush, President of the Jordan Church Council Archbishop Christophorus Attallah, Father Romanos Samawi, Father Boulos Haddad, and Father Emad Twal, according to a statement by the queen's office, reported by the Jordan Times, an English-language daily.

Organized by the Municipality of Fuheis in collaboration with the Fuheis Youth Club and other civil society organizations, the tree-lighting ceremony featured remarks from Mayor Akroush and Archbishop Attallah, as well as a choir performance of Christmas carols.

Jordan is a predominantly Muslim nation, with a minority Christian community of various denominations. Members of the Royal Hashemite family often preside over similar ceremonies in a show of coexistence and tolerance between the two religions.