The Mayor of Faria, Michel Salameh, expressed his satisfaction with the festival that takes place annually in the town, which began yesterday, Friday, with artist Carlos igniting the square with dance and joy, despite the difficult circumstances in Lebanon. This indicates the "determination of the Lebanese to endure despite all the challenges they face in their lives. This encourages us to present the best of what we have and to work seriously and with conviction to develop the town and assist residents and neighbors in improving their economic, living, and tourism conditions."
Salameh noted that "many visitors, townsfolk, hotel and restaurant owners met him today," appreciating the "efforts made to secure such a massive turnout and calling for the extension of the festival, which ends on Sunday evening." He continued: "We are determined to 'draw people out of their homes' through activities like these that restore joy to all Lebanese—locals, expatriates, and tourists. Let's not forget that we are just 40 kilometers away from the capital, Beirut. What we witnessed yesterday in terms of crowds, especially from the youth and families, as well as the additional costs faced by visitors in terms of fuel and heavy traffic, warmed our hearts and increased our happiness and determination. It has made us more resolute in continuing and developing while maintaining awareness and understanding, to keep up with our children, their ideas, modern visions, and future perspectives."
Salameh revealed that "half of the ideas in our program this year came from suggestions made by my son and his young friends, as they are continuously evolving and following modernity at a fast daily pace, while our worries, concerns, and daily routines distance us from them; they are the complete opposite of us." He pointed out that "the musical and singing events held there are not the primary goal; the main aim is to invite and involve a larger number of the local community, including hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and shops, so that they can benefit both materially and morally amid the difficult economic and social conditions the country is experiencing."
