Amid heightened and noticeable security measures implemented on the ground by all security forces in the region, the Ba'albek International Festivals commenced last night, Saturday. The opening ceremony was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea, several European ambassadors, ministers, and Lebanese political, artistic, and media figures, restoring confidence in the security stability of Ba'albek-Hermel.
The Minister of Culture in the caretaker government, Judge Mohamed Wissam al-Mortada, stated that "the festivals derive their importance from the greatness and beauty of Ba'albek, for glory is drawn from Ba'albek." He continued during his participation in the opening ceremony of the Ba'albek International Festivals: "Festivals may begin, continue, or cease due to certain factors and circumstances, but they return to Ba'albek, for Ba'albek is rooted, remaining through time."
He added: "Tonight we inaugurated the Ba'albek Festivals to prove to all that Ba'albek has no equal on the planet. Not only that, but some told me: it is important that there are foreign bands participating in the festival, and for my part, I say we want to host all international bands in our festivals, but that participation is important to them, because an artist who gets the chance to participate in the Ba'albek Festivals means they have been granted an opportunity not available to others, to ascend the amphitheater of Ba'albek and earn the honor of participating in its festivals. They also considered the presence of ambassadors a testament to the security of Ba'albek, but in reality, we desire their presence, yet their presence or absence does not, in itself, reflect that Ba'albek is secure; rather, Ba'albek exists and is secure."
He added: "We must recognize the cultural, human, and aesthetic value of Ba'albek, and understand the greatness of this archaeological site in Ba'albek, which has no equal anywhere in the world." Al-Mortada concluded: "All the ambassadors and artists here at the Ba'albek Citadel lament, saying: truly, this small country in size, stretched along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, possesses an archaeological richness unmatched in the world."
Dr. Michel Nemer stated: "I believe Ba'albek has returned to the era of beautiful festivals. Undoubtedly, the challenge is immense, especially under current circumstances, but what we witnessed from the security forces on the ground and along the international road encouraged us to come and prove their ability to continue their work in Lebanon, not just in Ba'albek."
In turn, Ihab Raad, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Tourism Unions, expressed his happiness about the festival, saying: "What the city witnessed today proved our existence, and we know how to live, and it affirmed that the spirit of challenge exists in Ba'albek and the will to live despite all circumstances. We must provide people with an atmosphere of joy, especially under the stifling economic crisis." He also thanked the Ba'albek International Festivals Committee and the security forces, especially the army, for what they did today to bring life back to the city.
