For the second year now, Becharri, a piece of heaven in northern Lebanon’s Qadisha, is celebrating arts and culture at the Cedars International Festival. Rich in history and legend, Becharri derives its name from the House of Ishtar, the Phoenician goddess of fertility, war, love and lovemaking.
The Festival
The Cedars International Festival dates back to the 1960’s but due to the country’s instability, the festival was put on hold for fifty years. It was relaunched again in 2015. This year, the Cedars International Festival is dedicated to Gibran Khalil Gibran, the exceptional Lebanese artist, poet, and writer whose words still resonate in people’s hearts at HOME and in the diaspora.
The festival will last four nights and will feature musical performances by various world-renowned Lebanese artists. The Lebanese legend Majida Al Roumi will perform on the opening night (August 5th), the Lebanese stars Assi El Hellani and Nancy Ajram will perform on August 6th. On August 12th and 13th, the famous Caracalla Dance Theatre will honour Lebanese culture through dance and music by presenting its latest theatrical production Kan Ya Makan.
Make a Trip Out of It
The Cedars International Festival, celebrating Lebanese talent, culture, nature, and beauty, should not be missed. So grab your friends and your loved ones and make a trip out of it. You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation, Ö Cèdres Apartments, Cedars Palace, L’Auberge des Cèdres, Saint Michel Chalets, Chez Alain, Le Cedrus Suites Hotel, Le Notre Hotel and Ski resort, Centre Toni Arida, La Grande Ourse, Alpine Hotel, Belmont Hotel, and Serail Hotel to name just a few.
Buses will shuttle people to and from the festival and the Municipality of Becharri has even organised tours to religious and touristic sites for hotel guests. Don’t forget to visit Gibran’s childhood house, museum, and to take the time to contemplate Lebanon’s majestic cedars for inspiration, serenity, and a great sense of HOME.
The Lady Behind The Celebration
The Cedars International Festival attracts tourists and Lebanese from all over the country, benefiting the whole Becharri area from the smallest market to the biggest hotel. The reviving of the festival was initiated by Becharri MP Sethrida Geagea, a Lebanese lady committed to leaving a legacy behind her. Sethrida, the Cedars International Festival’s president, works tirelessly on promoting the social and economic development of the Becharri district all year round.
