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BAALBECK FESTIVAL
The Baalbeck International Festival (BIF) is the oldest and the most prestigious festival in the Middle East.
In 1955, a cultural association organized the first activities within the Roman Acropolis.
In 1956, Camille Chamoun, then President of the Republic, founded the "Baalbeck International Festival" managed by twelve benevolent members. It became one of the government’s institutions whose mission would patronize and encourage the country cultural and touristic life. Since then the BIF has been taking place annually during the months of July and August in the Roman ruins of the Baalbeck Temples.
In 1966, the BIF started a drama school to promote Lebanese authors’ works for the stage, confirming its role as a patron of the arts.
The BIF evolved into a major cultural event celebrating classical music, opera, jazz, modern world music, Lebanese Nights, rock and pop music as well as ballet and theatre. Many of the world’s leading artists appeared on our stages.
After an interim (1975-1996), due to the Lebanese Civil War, the BIF once again found its past glory. A cultural and touristic beacon, Baalbeck came alive once again with the top echelon of international, regional and local artists.
Dramatic lighting and a unique historic setting provided the background of the varied presentations, amazing 40,000 spectators each summer.
Owing to the highly volatile situation prevailing in the country since the latter half of 2006, the Executive Committee had to cancel all the representations in Baalbeck. However, we managed to successfully hold in Beirut by early December 2006 three full house performances of the Rahbani brothers’ renowned musical comedy "Sah El Nom" featuring Fairuz, the legendary Lebanese singer. This decision confirms our faith in an eternal and sovereign Lebanon, and our determination to accomplish our cultural and touristic mission.
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