Byblos International Festival 2024: A Symphony of Culture and Resilience

Melhem Hachem /Presses Partout Beirut

The Byblos International Festival has unveiled its exciting summer program for 2024, promising a symphony of culture and resilience. The announcement took place during a press conference at the Byblos Sur Mer Hotel, under the patronage of Minister of Tourism, Walid Nassar. The event saw the participation of several notable figures, including MPs Simon Abi Ramia and Ziad Hawat, the mayors of Byblos and nearby municipalities, and a host of other dignitaries.

Rafael Sfeir, President of the Festival Committee, delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the festival’s twin themes: perseverance in the face of economic, social, and security challenges, and the pursuit of financial balance amidst high costs and taxes. Sfeir praised the collaboration with Anghami, represented by Camille Abi khalil, as a model of effective partnership between cultural institutions and the private sector.

Minister Nassar also addressed the audience, expressing the Ministry of Tourism’s indirect support for the festival through partnerships with the private sector. He emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and mutual understanding in fostering tourism and economic growth, and highlighted the success of previous tourism campaigns.

The festival’s opening night on Thursday, July 18, will feature “Le Grand Spectacle – Byblos Edition”, a grand performance by Lebanese composer Tony Mahoul, with over 100 artists, including musicians, dancers, and singers, accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra.

The lineup for the festival includes:

– Friday, July 19: Egyptian rock band CAIRO KEE, featuring Amir Eid (lead vocalist), Sherif Hawary (guitar), Tamer Hashem (drums), Sherif Mostafa (keyboard), and Adam El-Alfy (bass guitar).

– Sunday, July 21: A musical concert by Lebanese pianist Michel Fadel, showcasing his exceptional piano skills.

– Friday, July 26: Arab pop star Nancy Ajram, offering an evening of her greatest hits.

– Saturday, July 27: ASH, an Egyptian-born, Montreal-based artist known for blending his Egyptian and French influences into electronic music, will perform a multi-instrumental show.

The Byblos International Festival continues to be a cornerstone of Lebanon’s cultural and tourism landscape, offering diverse artistic experiences and supporting the local economy through the creation of seasonal jobs.