Baalbek Celebrates Authenticity… Hayakel Baalbeck Brings Together the Makers of Joy for Its 35th Anniversary

In an exceptional day bringing together heritage, art, culture, and the renowned hospitality of Baalbek, Hayakel Baalbeck celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding, welcoming more than 150 event and festival organizers from across Lebanon, alongside distinguished figures from the official, religious, artistic, media, and social sectors.

Baalbek – Sunday, November 8, 2026

On this remarkable day, Baalbek was not merely a city revisiting its memories; it was a living space celebrating its history and identity, opening its doors to guests to reaffirm that heritage is not simply a past to be recounted, but a legacy we carry, preserve, and pass on to future generations.

Marking thirty-five years since its establishment in 1991, Hayakel Baalbeck organized a distinguished cultural and heritage celebration, at the invitation of its president, artist Omar Hamadeh. The gathering brought together the makers of joy and organizers of events and festivals from across Lebanon, in recognition of their role in shaping the artistic and cultural landscape and bringing to life occasions that unite the Lebanese people.

From Al-Manshiyah Square to Baalbek’s Citadel… A Welcome Worthy of the City of the Sun

The day’s festivities began at Al-Manshiyah Square, where guests were welcomed with an authentic Baalbek-style Zaffe, featuring traditional horsemen, magnificent horses, and folkloric troupes, amid an atmosphere of joy and pride in Baalbek’s identity.

The procession then made its way toward the entrance of the Roman Citadel of Baalbek, creating a remarkable scene where the historical grandeur of the site met the authenticity of Lebanese heritage. The rhythms of Dabke blended with the city’s historical legacy, sending a clear message from the very beginning: Baalbek remains a city alive with culture, art, and the generosity of its people.

A Journey Through History… Baalbek, a Symbol of Coexistence

Baalbek is defined not only by its archaeological landmarks but also by its spirit of encounter, diversity, and coexistence. Accordingly, the program included a cultural and historical tour of Baalbek’s Citadel, the Umayyad Mosque, the Old Souk, and the Church of Saints Barbara and Thecla.

The delegations were welcomed by the Mufti of Baalbek-Hermel, Sheikh Bakr Rifai, and the Bishop of the Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy of Baalbek-Hermel, Bishop Michel Farah. They shared historical and spiritual insights into these landmarks and their cultural and human significance, reflecting the spirit of fraternity and coexistence that characterizes the city.

The tour provided Baalbek’s guests with an opportunity to discover the city’s history and diversity firsthand, experiencing the cultural and human dimension that has always distinguished it.

Honoring the Makers of Joy… Recognizing a Legacy of Dedication

Following the tour, guests proceeded to Hayakel Hall in the Adous area, where the honoring ceremony and main gathering took place.

The event was attended by Brigadier General Abbas Nasser, representing the Minister of Defense and the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and Baalbek Municipal Council President, Attorney Ahmad Tfeili, alongside distinguished official, religious, artistic, media, and cultural figures, as well as leading event and festival organizers.

The honoring ceremony was held in recognition of the efforts made by event and festival organizers and their essential role in keeping the artistic and cultural scene alive, creating occasions that bring joy to people and contribute to showcasing Lebanon’s cultural identity.

The gathering also featured a traditional Baalbek lunch, reflecting the region’s renowned generosity and authentic hospitality. Dignitaries and delegations came together in an atmosphere of warmth, friendship, and the exchange of experiences.

Speeches and Reflections… When Art Speaks of Baalbek

The speeches throughout the occasion reflected themes of welcome, loyalty, and pride in the history of both the troupe and the city.

The evening was hosted by Hamza Solh, who emphasized that being part of this occasion was an extension of the honor of belonging to a legacy written by generations who believed that glory is preserved through loyalty and hard work.

Baalbek Municipal Council President, Attorney Ahmad Tfeili, delivered a speech congratulating the troupe on its remarkable journey, praising its role in representing the city and the nation, and highlighting the values of authenticity, dignity, resilience, and coexistence that Baalbek embodies.

The association’s Vice President, Mrs. Souheir Saleh, also addressed the gathering, highlighting key milestones in the troupe’s journey since its establishment in 1991 and the efforts made to preserve the traditions and foundations of Baalbek’s Dabke and introduce them to audiences around the world.

The evening also featured speeches and contributions by journalist Rabiaa Zayyat, Dr. Mohammad Alaaeddine, and poet Nizar Francis, whose presence and words added a literary and artistic dimension to the occasion.

Several prominent artistic and cultural figures also attended, including artist Omar Karakalla, Maestro Elie Alia, and President of the Lebanese Actors’ Syndicate Nehme Badawi, alongside artists, journalists, and distinguished guests from different regions of Lebanon.

Hayakel Baalbeck… Thirty-Five Years of Commitment to Heritage

Since its establishment in 1991, Hayakel Baalbeck has carried the mission of preserving Lebanese and Baalbek-style Dabke, firmly believing that heritage is not merely a series of artistic movements performed on stage, but an identity, a collective memory, and a sense of belonging.

Throughout these thirty-five years, the troupe has maintained its presence at national and international festivals and events, representing Lebanon in more than fifty countries and participating in major artistic and cultural occasions.

Among its notable milestones were its participation in welcoming His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Presidential Palace in 2025, as well as its collaboration with the Mayyas troupe in artistic performances that brought together traditional heritage and contemporary choreography.

This journey demonstrates that the troupe’s continuity has never been merely about preserving a name or a tradition. Rather, it represents a commitment to a cultural mission passed down from one generation to the next: Lebanese Dabke will remain alive as long as there are people who believe in it and carry it to the world.

Behind the Scenes… The Efforts That Made This Celebration a Success

This remarkable day was no coincidence. It was the result of more than a month of dedicated work, preparation, coordination, and attention to every detail — from developing the overall vision and program, to communicating with dignitaries and delegations, organizing the reception and heritage tour, and preparing the honoring ceremony and artistic evening.

The two young organizers, Hamza Saleh and Mohammad Al-Shamali, took responsibility for the planning, preparation, coordination, and follow-up of the event’s various details, working to transform the initial concept into a comprehensive program worthy of Baalbek’s history and the distinguished legacy of Hayakel Baalbeck.

Behind this success was also a collective effort involving the troupe’s teams and everyone who contributed to the preparation, organization, reception, and hospitality, ensuring that the day unfolded in a manner befitting the city and its guests.

An Evening of Celebration… When Dabke Becomes a Language That Unites Everyone

The celebration concluded with a series of folkloric and heritage performances presented by Hayakel Baalbeck, showcasing the authenticity of Baalbek’s Dabke and the strength of its artistic presence.

The performances were met with enthusiastic participation from the audience, who did not simply watch the show but joined the troupe in Dabke circles and moments of celebration.

The evening became a space of unity, where art blended with heritage, recognition with affection, and hospitality with pride in one’s roots. The occasion came to a close with the cutting of an anniversary cake, celebrating thirty-five years of dedication and continuity.

Baalbek Is More Than a Place… It Is a Message

The 35th-anniversary celebration was not merely an occasion to commemorate the history of a troupe. It was a cultural and human message affirming that Baalbek, despite all challenges, remains capable of being a place of joy, creativity, and meaningful encounters.

From the heart of the City of the Sun, Hayakel Baalbeck brought together the makers of joy under the umbrella of heritage and opened the city’s doors to its guests, reaffirming that true art is not limited to what is presented on stage, but also lives on through the impact it leaves on people and in collective memory.

Thirty-five years have passed… and the story continues.

Hayakel Baalbeck… From Baalbek to the world, we carry our heritage and preserve our legacy.