MEXICO CITY, April 20, 2026 (WAFA) – The international exhibition “Bethlehem Reborn. Palestine: The Wonders of the Nativity” was inaugurated at the Centro Cultural de España en México in a moment of profound cultural, historical, and human significance, bringing to Mexican audiences the extraordinary story of a decade-long restoration that uncovered mosaics and historical elements hidden for centuries inside the Basilica of the Nativity, one of the most significant UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the oldest continuously functioning Christian places of worship in the world.
Through photographs, architectural documentation, scale models, and multimedia experiences, the exhibition highlights the restoration works that have revived historic parts of the church, underscoring the significance of Palestinian cultural heritage and its role in connecting humanity to its shared past. The exhibition also features Palestinian embroidered thobes from the collection of George Alama.
The opening ceremony was chaired by the Ambassador of Spain to Mexico, Juan Duarte, and the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Mexico, Nadia Rashid, who underscored the importance of cultural heritage in strengthening dialogue among peoples. Rashid also conveyed a message on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas, stressing that culture remains a unifying force that preserves the dignity of peoples despite adversity, and affirming the hope that justice will prevail and freedom will be achieved.
Rashid said that Bethlehem represents a shared human heritage, and that the restoration process reflects faith in the possibility of restoring what has been damaged.
Palestinian curator Taisir Hasboun, whose vision has shaped the exhibition from its earliest stages, presents Palestinian heritage as a living and enduring presence, inviting audiences to see Bethlehem not only as part of the past, but as a legacy that continues to belong to the world.
The opening ceremony witnessed the attendance of more than 300 people, including Mexican officials, members of the Senate and Congress, members of the Mexican-Palestinian Friendship Group, religious representatives, cultural figures, and members of the diplomatic corps.
The exhibition forms part of an international tour launched at the Vatican in 2019, which has since reached more than 20 cities worldwide and attracted over 280,000 visitors, serving as a platform for cultural diplomacy and for showcasing the heritage of Bethlehem.
The exhibition will be hosted in Mexico City for two months, accompanied by a programme of cultural activities, including Palestinian embroidery evenings, poetry readings, film screenings, and academic dialogues, before travelling to other states across Mexico.
T.R.
