Lebanon is a diverse country that is home to several cultural and religious groups, each with their own festivals and celebrations.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving. In Lebanon, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and people decorate their homes and streets with lights and colorful decorations (Azzi, 2018).
Christmas
Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Lebanon, and it is observed by both Christians and Muslims. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and exchanging gifts. Lebanese people decorate their homes, streets, and public places with Christmas lights, trees, and ornaments (Diab, 2018).
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is another important Muslim festival that commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son for Allah’s sake. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and gift-giving. In Lebanon, people celebrate this festival by sacrificing animals and distributing the meat to the poor and needy (Azzi, 2018).
Independence Day
Lebanon’s Independence Day is celebrated on November 22nd every year, marking the country’s liberation from French rule in 1943. It is a national holiday, and people celebrate with parades, fireworks, and other festivities (Bazzi, 2019).
Beirut International Film Festival
The Beirut International Film Festival is a week-long event that showcases the latest and best films from around the world. It is held annually in October and attracts movie enthusiasts, critics, and celebrities from across the globe (Azzi, 2018).
Byblos International Festival:
The Byblos International Festival is a music festival that takes place every summer in the ancient city of Byblos. It features local and international artists performing various genres of music, including jazz, rock, and classical (Bazzi, 2019).
Cedars International Festival
The Cedars International Festival is an annual cultural event held in the mountainous region of northern Lebanon. It celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage and features traditional music, dance, and food (Diab, 2018).
In conclusion, Lebanon is a country with a rich cultural and religious diversity, which is reflected in the various festivals and celebrations observed throughout the year. From religious festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to cultural events such as the Beirut International Film Festival and the Byblos International Festival, there is always something to celebrate in Lebanon.
