Under the patronage of the Ministry of Culture and in the presence of Director General Dr. Ali El Sammad, with the participation of H.E. Mr. Andrew Barnes, Ambassador of Australia to Lebanon, H.E. Mr. Muhammad Noor Rahman Sheikh, Ambassador of India to Lebanon, and Dr. Osama Arnaout, representing Mrs. Bahia Hariri, a distinguished national celebration was held in Haret Kanaan – Jezzine on Saturday, November 8, to mark Lebanon’s Independence Day.
The event, organized by Toura – Bridging Culture, took place at the historic Kanaan Mansion, and brought together a large audience of officials, diplomats, cultural figures, mayors, representatives of municipal unions, civil society organizations, business leaders, artists, and heritage enthusiasts, all united by their shared love for art, culture, and Lebanon.
The ceremony featured moving patriotic addresses.
Mr. Bachir Sakka, Advisor to the Association, spoke about the significance of independence and its national symbolism, emphasizing the importance of preserving the values for which Lebanon’s freedom pioneers fought.
Mrs. Florence Kanaan, in her speech, highlighted that this was the first commemorative celebration in Jezzinehonoring the independence hero “Maroun Bey Kanaan” since 1943, noting that Haret Kanaan has given Lebanon many national and political figures since the era of its founder, Suleiman Bey Kanaan. She affirmed that Haret Kanaan has always been an open home for all, and that the purest expression of patriotism lies in reviving the memory of independence through art — especially from the heart of South Lebanon.
In his remarks, Mr. Karim Kanaan reflected on the true meaning of independence, underlining Haret Kanaan’s pivotal role in Lebanon’s liberation journey and its contribution to building the nation’s golden era.
Dr. Ali El Sammad, Director General of the Ministry of Culture, commended the deep sense of Lebanese identity, stressing that culture and art are two fundamental pillars in shaping modern Lebanon, and praised the efforts being made throughout the country — especially in the South — to revive national values through cultural and artistic initiatives.
The program also included a poetic recital by poet and educator Mr. Mohammad Alloush, who delivered a touching poem dedicated to Jezzine and Haret Kanaan, celebrating the beauty, heritage, and patriotic spirit of the region.
The students of Jezzine Public Secondary School then performed a traditional Lebanese dabke dance, symbolizing national joy and deep-rooted heritage.
In addition, Rival Assaad, a student from Lebaa Public Secondary School, performed a selection of Lebanese patriotic songs, filling the atmosphere with enthusiasm and pride in national identity.
This was followed by a musical performance from JezzinePublic Secondary School, where Terizia Ayoub, a third-year high school student, sang “Mawtini”, accompanied by live guitar music — a heartfelt moment that captivated the audience and added an emotional depth to the occasion.
The celebration also featured an art exhibition showcasing works by renowned artists from South Lebanon, alongside young talents from Lycée Saint Nicolas – Ain El Mir. The exhibition beautifully merged experience and youthful creativity in a single artistic vision that reflected the heartbeat of the land and the depth of national belonging.
At the close of the event, attendees toured the exhibition and exchanged reflections in an atmosphere filled with national pride and unity, embodying the message of art and culture as foundations of independence, dialogue, and Lebanese identity.
As part of the celebration, Mrs. Yousra Habhab presented a gift to the Kanaan family — one of her artworks symbolizing Lebanon and its unity despite all challenges. This tribute embodied the spirit of solidarity and resilience that defines the Lebanese identity.
