Feast of Saint George (Palestine)

The Feast of Saint George (Arabic: عيد مار جريس, Eid Mar Jiryes) is a significant annual religious festival celebrated by Palestinian Christians, and to a lesser extent by Palestinian Muslims, in the region of Palestine. It centers around Saint George, revered as a patron saint and a figure of interfaith significance.

The primary site of celebration is the Monastery of Saint George in al-Khader, a town located near Bethlehem. Pilgrims, both Christian and Muslim, travel to the monastery to participate in prayers, processions, and communal meals. The festival typically occurs in early May, often around May 6th according to the Julian calendar.

The festivities are characterized by a vibrant atmosphere, with traditional Palestinian music, dancing, and food. Many pilgrims make vows or offer sacrifices (historically livestock, though now often monetary donations) to Saint George, seeking his intercession for healing, protection, and fertility. The tradition of tying rags or cloths to trees and other sacred spots within the monastery grounds is also prevalent as a form of supplication.

The Feast of Saint George in Palestine is not solely a religious event but also an important cultural and social gathering, reinforcing community ties and preserving Palestinian heritage. The shared veneration of Saint George by both Christians and Muslims highlights a unique aspect of interfaith relations in the region and reflects a long history of shared traditions and cultural exchange.