The Minister of Tourism Mr. Avedis Guidanian launched Ghalboun Festivalsin the presence of Lynn Tehini, representing the Minister of Culture Mr. Ghattas Al Khouri, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism Mrs. Nada Sardouk, Mayor of Ghalboun Mr. Elie Gebrail, Head of Ghalboun Festivals Committee Mrs. Nada Aad, and Director of Ghalboun Festivals Committee Mr. Rani Gebrael.
The beginning was with a minute of silence in memory of the late May Arida who passed away yesterday, the icon of Baalbeck festivals, its honorary president who owns a rich and interesting biography in the history of Lebanese culture.
Nada Aad
The head of the Ghalboun Festivals Committee, Nada Aad, welcomed the audience, then short video showing Ghalboun Festivals 2018 program was displayed.The Festivals for summer 2018 will take place on 28-29-30 June and 1stof July 2018 at Ghalboun. She highlighted on the history of Ghalboun, the trees and rocks that tell stories and memories of the ancestors who preserved the Lebanese heritage and family values. The children spread this treasure and turned it into a typical town where visitors live an exceptional experience. Everything is organized at Ghalboun, the municipality signs everywhere indicate the destination of the traffic, even the electricity, water, telephone and internet are secured 24 hours. The festival is dedicated to promote cultural and environmental tourism. It chooses annually the best international and Lebanese artistic programs with high cultural values and presents them to their audiences. This year, there will be a new show and a diverse program of artistic, recreational and cultural activities. The eighth edition features a classic theme and is extended over four nights: The opening on Thursday 28th of June with"Radio at the Symphony"by Aleph Abi Saad from 8eme Art, in collaboration with the National Orchestra and Dr. Walid Mousallem, who is credited with making this evening a great success. The symphony orchestra consists of 60 musicians managed by an Italian Maestro. The second night, Friday 29th of June, is a tribute to four giants in Lebanese art: The Icon Sabah, Mr. Wadih El Safi, Mr. Filimon Wehbe, and Mr.Zaki Nassif in a concert with the brilliant musician Michel Fadel. The third night on Saturday 30thof June, is full of romanticism with artist Marwan Khoury and a special surprise for Ghalboun festivals. On Sunday, July 1st, the closing with the Serbian musician Goran Bregović, a musical of great importance, a world-class and classic edition by Ghalboun. Nada Aad talked about the sunset in Galboun and the enchanting scenery that should not be missed. It starts at 6:00 pm from the Lady of Al-Hosh hill in the middle of the green spaces, and she invited everyone to come early and enjoy the music and delicious food that Caravan Beirut is offering. Ghalboun welcomes with all the heart and love all visitors to its festivals.
Alef Abi Saad
Musician Alef Abi Saad spoke about his participation last year in Ghalboun Festivals and this year participation, especially with regard to the technical aspects (theater, screens, sound, lighting) at a high level of universality. He noted the importance of the National Orchestra on the first night at "Radio at the Symphony" project and thanked Dr. Walid Mousallem for his cooperation as the basis for the success of the symphony orchestra.
Rani Gebrail
The Director of Ghalboun Festivals Committee Rani Gebrael, thanked the Ministers of Tourism and Information, and thanked the Bishop of the Maronite Diocese of Jbeil, Bishop Michel Aoun, the first supporter of Ghalboun Festivals held in the courtyard of the Lady of Al-Hosh, and all the participants from the Lebanese Conservatory and all the working team that contributes to the success of the festival.
Elie Gebrail
The Mayor of Ghalboun, Eng. Elie Gebrael, spoke about the Municipality of Ghalboun, the Festivals and Civil Society Committee, which provide year-round programs related to sustainable development and eco-tourism, cultural and recreational programs and the development of infrastructure for visitors from all over Lebanon and the world. This year, the program will also surprise the visitors and will remain the typical town that has emerged on all levels, including: environmental and ecotourism, agriculture and products from Ghalboun, and artistic work with the annual Ghalboun diaries. He talked about future programs related to the industry that simulates Hi-Tech Park, Artificial Intelligence, and the establishment of a smart area in Ghalboun. This program will be launched at a press conference later this summer. There will be also a round table gathering all the actors in this sector, in this huge project with all the sectors that are involved in this regard from universities, banks, internet companies, international companies and international organizations, and will be the first in the field of rural development and be complementary to the activities in which he works in Ghalboun. He invited the audience to visit Ghalboun and enjoy the beauty of nature and meet its hospitable people and participate in its festivals and ongoing activities.
Lynn Tehini
Lynn Tehini, The representative of Minister of Culture, Mr. Ghattas Al Khouri, spoke about the entry of Lebanon into a new stage by choosing a new parliament and expected the success of all festivals, especially Ghalboun Festivals. The festival is distinguished by its economic and cultural activities and work for young people and local investors. Despite the difficult situation, the festivals in Lebanon are a space of hope for the whole region, and the Ministry of Tourism is always supporting all initiatives that contribute to highlight Lebanon's cultural and pluralistic cultural face.
Minister Avidis Kidanian
Minister Avidis Kidanian has not attended Ghalboun Festivals last year, but had the chance to attend the opening of a guest house in Ghalboun. He felt like he was in a village outside Lebanon because the work that the municipality is doing on this small village, it's a very productive and touristic place, and products allow the families and families to work for the production of the crop grown in Ghalboun. He said that the large number of festivals does not serve the purpose for which these festivals are held, and he wished that there would be an organization of this phenomenon so that everyone takes his rights. The goal is for the people of each village to feel that they are doing successful work and festivals. The work of the Ministry of Tourism is the introduction of hard currency to Lebanon and the movement of the economic currency and the Ministry will work on festivals and tourism.
Noting that in order to make Ghalboun Festivals a success, the Municipality of Ghalboun is keen to improve lighting and organize parking spaces in cooperation with the youth of Ghalboun. The Green Town has become an important stop on the way to rural tourism, allowing all those who intend to stay there and creating jobs for young people in summer season and throughout the year.
