Conservative voices opposing festivals in the North and Saida

In its edition of Friday, Al Diyar newspaper drew attention to emerging voices, with religious extremist background, faultfinding the ongoing touristic festivals organized by the diverse municipalities, establishments and associations in the northern regions of Akar, Minyeh and Tripoli. Such positions, the newspaper mentioned, sometimes reached the level of justifying the killing of the promoters of similar events. Al Diyar pointed out to some hardline statements signed by spiritual figures officially affiliated with Dar al Fatwa, which, the newspaper added, question the stand of the seat of Dar al Fatwa. On the other hand, many clerics known for their religious tolerance and moderation have denounced that “touristic festivities do not infringe on or threaten the northern society as long as they observe public manners and stay within the framework of morality while not affecting the essence of religion.  In Saida as well, opposing voices emerged, while groups of Sidon residents launched a campaign entitled: “Saida will not dance”, which called for the cancellation of these festivals. Similarly, the “Jama3a Islamiya” organisation also affirmed that "these festivals are not the best and only way to stimulate the economy". Despite these objections, organizers in Saida, underscore that the city will not cancel the planned festivals. On the latest festival updates, the Annual Festival Committee of Habariyeh in the South launched its two-day fiesta on Saturday, including a play, magic show and musical concerts. On the same day, the minister of tourism, Michel Pharaon, inaugurated the 3-day Baruk Touristic Festivals under the heading ‘Shuf Lebnan bil Baruk’ (Lebanon in the eye of Baruk). The event hosted an exhibition for rural products and showcased paintings and shows by artists. Likewise, the municipality of Beyt Malat kicked off its first summer festivals with the screening of a documentary on the village followed by a display of fireworks. (Al Mustaqbal, Al Diyar, August 26, 27 and 28, 2016)