Despite ongoing security and political threats in Lebanon, most provinces across the country are gearing up to revive their annual international arts festivals, among the foremost tourist and cultural activities in the nation.
Amidst airstrikes in Lebanese border towns and daily Israeli threats of war, Lebanese provinces have announced their festival schedules for summer 2024, except for Baalbek International Festival (in the east), where festival president Nayla de Freige confirmed to Sky News Arabia that “the revival of Baalbek International Festival for summer 2024 remains contingent on security conditions in the province, specifically in the city of Baalbek, which intermittently faces airstrikes.”
These festivals traditionally attract a wide audience from various Lebanese regions and abroad, contributing to local economy through tourism and related activities.
Organizers expressed their commitment to offering distinctive programs this year, aiming to sustain joy, optimism, and national spirit across the country.
Beirut on the List In this context, sources from Solidere, responsible for downtown Beirut, told Sky News Arabia that “downtown Beirut is once again bustling with life, and thus Beirut has joined the festival list after a forced hiatus at the end of 2019.” They confirmed that “Beirut this year overcame all obstacles to announce the opening of its summer festival (Beirut Celebrations) next July.”
The president of Beirut Celebrations Committee, Amin Abi Yaghi, stated to Sky News Arabia, “It’s a matter of determination and resolve, because we believe in Lebanon as a country of culture, joy, and life.” He added, “We haven’t stopped spreading joy… we’re working towards it despite difficult circumstances, and for Beirut Celebrations, we have decided to host 7 concerts.”
Abi Yaghi revealed that “many Arab artists will start arriving in Beirut from mid-July, including Syrian singer Mayada El Hennawy and a foreign band, in addition to Lebanese artist Elissa and some local performers, all set to perform on Beirut’s waterfront.”
Batroun Refuses Surrender Yara Harb, the media coordinator for Batroun International Festivals, told Sky News Arabia, “We refuse to surrender; we were faced with either cancellation or continuity, and since our motto is the will to live, we chose continuity as an expression of our refusal to surrender.” She added, “It’s not the first time Lebanese have faced tough security conditions, and they have always refused to surrender.”
She explained that “Batroun, located in the northern province, is ready to attract Lebanese, guests, and visitors alike.”
Harb detailed the festival program, saying, “It includes rich and diverse activities featuring musical performances and artists from Jordan, Syria, and Lebanese artists.” She concluded, “‘Lebanese Nights’ is the theme, with a series of distinctive Lebanese evenings and a cultural program dedicated to photography extending over a month, ending with the transformation of Batroun’s murals into an exhibition of captivating sports, maritime, and artistic competitions.”
