BAALBEK, Lebanon (AP) 鈥� Lebanon鈥檚 renowned Baalbek festival is back, held in front of a live audience for the first time since 2019, despite the country's economic meltdown and the coronavirus pandemic.
French pianist Simon Ghraichy performed in front of a full house on Sunday night in what organizers described as a night of hope for Lebanon's revival. The annual festival in the ancient northeastern city of soaring Roman columns has long attracted celebrities from around the world.
It had taken a major hit as a result of Lebanon鈥檚 ongoing, nearly 3-year economic crisis and the pandemic, which had forced organizers to broadcast live from the site without an audience in 2020 and 2021.
Inside the city鈥檚 mesmerizing acropolis, French-Iranian oriental dancer Rana Gorgani twirled to Ghraichy鈥檚 piano playing.
鈥淚鈥檓 so proud to be here in this place full of history and beauty,鈥� Ghraichy, who is of Lebanese and Mexican heritage, told The Associated Press.
Since 1956, the Baalbek International Festival has hosted icons from Lebanon and the rest of the world, including world-renowned artists like French singer Charles Aznavour in 1999, English musician Sting in 2001, France鈥檚 Johnny Hallyday in 2003 and tenor Placido Domingo a year later. It was also home to concerts by Lebanon鈥檚 diva Fayrouz and Egypt鈥檚 Umm Kulthum.
The festival suffered a 23-year hiatus during Lebanon鈥檚 civil war and resumed in 1997. Both residents and tourists attended in large numbers every summer. This year, the festival comes at a challenging time as Lebanon struggled with an unprecedented economic crisis, described by the World Bank as one of the worst in modern history.
For many among the audience 鈥� which also included Lebanese officials and foreign dignitaries 鈥� the evening was a welcome escape.
鈥淏aalbek is back, and we want Lebanon to return to the way we used to know it, which is the Lebanon of art, culture, openness, and moderation,鈥� said former lawmaker Henri Helou.
The Associated Press
