The Spirit of Bethlehem Festival is the first annual celebration of all ethnic groups living in the city.

Every year, the Spirit of Bethlehem committee selects a different country to serve as a theme and a different traditional activity common to most nations. This year, the theme will be Russia, and the ethnic groups will focus on wedding ceremonies around the world.

This year, Russia will present entertainers, merchants, food, crafts, and demonstrations. The Bethlehem Festival Grounds under the Hill-to-Hill Bridge will be transformed into a miniature Moscow through landscape, games and visits from Russian businesses. You will enjoy the show of Russian Youth dancers and the Balalaika Russe entertainment Group.

The total number of ethnic groups involved in the event will be up to 20. There will be a series of tents assigned to community ethnic groups. Costumes, religious icons, native artwork, recipes, and historical artifacts will be some of the items used to identify a group's heritage.

Among Bethlehem's participants are three sister cities: Murska Sobota, Slovenia; Schwabisch Gmund, Germany; and Tondabayashi, Japan. These are a perfect fit for the first annual celebration.