On Thursday, the Baalbeck International Festival Committee in Lebanon announced plans for this summer’s session, which will take place next July, with the participation of bands and artists from Italy, Syria, Spain, Lebanon and France, in an effort to challenge the economy. and the political conditions under which Lebanon lives.

Organized annually on the terrace of the Temple of Bacchus, northeast of the capital Beirut, the festivities begin on July 1st with an Italian dance performance (Roberto Polli and Friends).

The following day, visitors will meet the Al-Kindi Music Group with Sheikh Hamid Daoud and the Dervishes of Damascus in an evening of special tribute to founder Julian Jalal El-Din Weiss (1953-2015). of the band.

On the seventh of July, a concert entitled “Roots in our hands… from Spain and Lebanon” will be held, featuring artist Nacho Arimani, Spanish and Lebanese musicians and the Jesuit University Choir.

On July 14, there will be a concert by Baalbek’s son, Lebanese singer Melhem Zain, while the closing ceremony will be celebrated on July 16 by French singer Imani.

Nayla de Freij, head of the Baalbek International Festival Committee, said in a press conference held yesterday, “Without forgetting the sufferings of our country, the beautiful artistic activities that can be seen this summer. , we refuse to succumb to pessimism and want to shine some light into the dark tunnel around us.

“If last year I described the festival as a cry, this year I describe it as a moving force supported by a cohesive community of supporters, artists and collaborators committed to giving our culture war a wider dimension.” Founded in 1956, Baalbek Festival is one of the oldest and most popular arts festivals in Lebanon and is run by a 12-member committee.

Walid Nasser, Minister of Maintenance of Tourism, said in a press conference, “I do not hide from you that the ministry is really ashamed of not being able to support these festivals.

He added, “We asked all festivals to contribute to a project or do anything to support the town or city where the festival is held, and now the Balbec Festival Committee announces a night for the artist Melhem Jean, the proceeds of which are allocated to the municipality of Balbec, and this proves that the Balbec Festival Committee is committed to this decision. .”

He continued, “Baalbek is a safe city, it is in the center of Lebanon and not in the suburbs, so don’t scare the people who come to the festival. The people of Baalbek are generous, kind and brotherly, so rest assured. Security is in place.”