Lebanon Tourism, culture, music and events

Celebrating Lebanon's joie de vivre at Vinifest Date: Thursday, October 09, 2014 By: - Source: The Daily Star BEIRUT: In an impressive show of Lebanese joie de vivre, hundreds of winemakers, professionals and amateur oenophiles have assembled once again for Lebanon's Vinifest. Surmounting immense challenges posed by the country's political and security situation, this year's edition of the annual four-day wine bazaar and exposition reflects a particular Lebanese resoluteness of spirit and collective dedication.Strolling through dozens of stands representing wineries from across Lebanon and beyond, visitors are met with a decidedly epicurean atmosphere. But one of the most impressive qualities of this year's Vinifest is the diversity of attendees: from suited b...

Sidon's St. Louis Castle to be restored Date: Thursday, October 09, 2014 By: Mohammed Zaatari Source: The Daily Star SIDON, Lebanon: Sidon’s historical St. Louis Castle, or Qalaat al Muizz, which once served as a shelter for Palestinian refugees following the 1948 Nakba, will be renovated in a project after years of negligence. The once-impressive castle was looted several times over the years, given the lack of state protection. The renovation project, which will be supervised by Sidon’s municipality, headed by Mayor Mohammad Saudi, also an engineer, is part of an $849,000 Italian grant. The project will be managed by the Council for Development and Reconstruction, along with the Culture Ministry. According to Saudi, for many years, residents simply watched the castle ...

Source:   The Daily Star TYRE, Lebanon: Divers showed off their photography skills while exploring a submerged ancient Phoenician city at the second annual International Underwater Photography Contest in Tyre. The event, held Sept. 13 and 14 as part of the Lebanon Water Festival, showcased the talents of 10 divers. Festival co-founder   Simon Khoury   said he was pleased to see Lebanese divers taking part in the contest. “We are pleased to see that all the people of   Tyre   have become more receptive to this event. We chose Tyre’s underwater Phoenician city, which gives this competition a historic edge,” he said. The competition was divided into three photographic categories: macro photography, wide-angle photography and photographs of the ruins. Luis Perez Suarez, a world-renowned photographer from Argentina, came in first place in the last two categories. “I am happy to have the opportunity to dive among other Lebanese divers,” Suarez said. “ Tyre is...

   

By: Venetia Rainey   Source:   The Daily Star TRIPOLI, Lebanon: Finally, after a long spell of cyclical clashes and seemingly never-ending violence,  Tripoli  is ready to receive visitors again. The souks are bustling, the soldiers are no longer posted inside the castle (just outside it), and the sound of snipers has been replaced with the thrum of life. Lebanon’s northern city has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently, but everything that makes it such a glorious and rewarding city to visit is still there. Tripoli is utterly different from anywhere else in the country; from the Ottoman hammams to the Mamluk madrasas (religious schools) to the winding alleyways of shops, this is a real Arab city. But it’s not just the wealth of guidebook-worthy sites that make Tripoli worth the hour-and-a-half journey from Beirut, it’s also the famous sweets, the hidden bohemian cafes, and, of course, unassuming yet charming Mina, Tripoli’s quieter, little sister...

By: The Daily Star   Source:   The Daily Star Summer fashion week St. Georges Beach and Yacht Club, Ain al-Mreisseh May 31, 4:30-10:30 p.m. LIPS modeling and event management is hosting the second edition of its   Summer Fashion Week   on the outdoor terrace of St. Georges Yacht Club. The show features summer collections from local and regional designers on a 50-meter catwalk. Teleferique May festivities Teleferique Gardens, Harissa Saturdays and Sundays, until June 10 03-323-218 Harissa, Jounieh's iconic holy site, is offering free teleferique rides every weekend throughout the month of May, as well as live music and art displays. La Dolce Vita Venezia, Hilton   Beirut   Metropolitan Palace May 30 until June7 The Hilton has teamed up with the   Italian Embassy   for a special weeklong celebration of Italian cuisine. Italian Executive Chef, Paolo Rocco, will concoct authentic Italian dishes for an unforgettable gastronomic expe...