Festivals always bring a lot of excitement and energy. The festivals held in Lebanon are no exception to this. Stay with Saeed News to get acquainted with the festivals of Lebanon.
Lebanon is a country whose capital is called the "Bride of the Middle East." The culture and people of Lebanon have emerged over thousands of years from various civilizations. This country was home to the Phoenicians and was subsequently conquered and occupied by the Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottoman Turks, and the French. This diversity is reflected in Lebanon's diverse population, consisting of various religious groups, and it is seen in the country's festivals, music styles, literature, Lebanese food, and architecture. Tourism in Lebanon thrives during periods of calm, despite occasional interruptions due to conflicts.
You may have heard of India's Holi festival and seen photos of it, but it is important to note that this festival is not exclusive to India and is held in other countries with slight modifications. One of these countries is Lebanon, where a festival of colors, inspired by India's Holi, is celebrated. In this celebration, people take to the streets with colored powders or buckets filled with color, covering everyone in their path. This festival is not just about throwing colors; people also dance and sing to celebrate. Lebanon's color festival takes place in Dhouq Misbah, a coastal town located 12 kilometers north of Beirut, covering an area of approximately 453 hectares.
Baalbek is a city in Lebanon, and visiting it can remind Iranian tourists of the experience of visiting Persepolis in Iran. Every year, during the summer, an arts festival is held in this location, offering various musical performances and theatre and ballet productions. This festival, which has a history of about 60 years, is very popular among both the local population and tourists.
This festival began in 1997 and has been held annually ever since. It is known as one of the key events in Middle Eastern cinema. Directors and artists, alongside film enthusiasts and general audiences, gather to watch and critique films with environmental, culinary, commercial, and documentary content. Prizes are awarded to filmmakers, actors, and other contributors based on lottery draws.
This festival was founded by a local youth team who volunteered to organize this event. The festival brings several exciting weeks of activity to Jounieh, a beautiful coastal area of Lebanon. The azure waters of Jounieh Bay host Lebanon's best boats, and fireworks are an essential part of this memorable festival. Concerts by prominent Arabic singers and performances of mythical stories by top artists also add to its charm.
The Beiteddine Festival is one of the most important art festivals in the Middle East, held in a magnificent 200-year-old palace in the Chouf Mountains of Mount Lebanon. This festival attracts people of all ages, as international artists and musicians perform high-level shows. The palace is located 40 kilometers from Beirut and the festival runs from July 18 to August 10.
Launched in 2009, the Beirut Spring Festival is one of the most unique and popular festivals, open to the public and not restricted to a specific group. It includes various artistic disciplines such as theater, music, and dance. Night performances are held for a week throughout Beirut. The festival's goal is to support contemporary art, as it is believed that art is a way to display tolerance toward suffering, violence, and injustices.
Byblos, known locally as Jbeil, is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world and is always home to an international festival where over 100 artists from around the world perform. Attending the Byblos International Festival is the best opportunity to explore this modern city with its ancient heart. Here, you can listen to the best international singers and watch performances by renowned global artists.
The Beirut Cooking Festival offers a three-day opportunity to experience exceptional culinary delights, where both small and large food and beverage businesses actively participate. Held at SEASIDE ARENA, the festival features over 100 booths showcasing culinary experts, equipment producers, food and beverage suppliers, restaurants, and cooking service providers. More than 10,000 visitors witness various cooking styles and the latest products related to the food industry. A section dedicated to children allows them to decorate pastries.
One of the most exciting festivals in Lebanon is Beirut Fashion Week. It is one of the biggest and most popular international events held annually, not only in Lebanon but across the Arab countries, due to its high standards. In this event, top Lebanese designers showcase their new collections and benefit from each other's experiences. Beirut Fashion Week is recognized after major fashion weeks in fashion capitals like New York, London, Paris, and Milan.
Various international festivals, local shows, and concerts are held throughout Lebanon, guaranteeing the entertainment of both locals and tourists! If you love attending exciting and joyful festivals, don't miss the opportunity to join these events in Lebanon.