Tyre Festival

Tyre Festival

Late July-early August

Tyre, located in southern Lebanon, is an ancient Phoenician city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the third millennium b.c.e. In recent decades, the historic city has also been traumatized by conflict between extremist elements and the Israeli Defense Forces. Organizers eager to bring joy to a city populace long plagued by bombs and the climate of war established the Tyre Festival in 1996, a summer celebration of Lebanese culture and music.
The festival is held at Tyre's Al-Bass archaeological site, which features large Roman ruins of a necropolis (ancient cemetery) and a stadium. Local and international artists perform at the festival. Past programs have included concerts by solo vocalists, choirs, and Arabic orchestras; dance performances; marionette shows; and music concerts featuring a traditional stringed instrument called the oud.

CONTACTS:
Lebanon Ministry of Tourism
550 Central Bank St.
Ministry Bldg.
Beirut, Lebanon
www.tyrefestival.com (c)