Literary festivals and book fairs in Lebanon

Cultural literary events are being held in Lebanon, centered around the Beirut waterfront. The Beyrouth Livres festival, organized by the Institut français du Liban and the Institut français du Proche-Orient, focuses on a Mediterranean theme and features over 40 authors and artists across various Lebanese cities.

Simultaneously, the 67th Beirut International Arab Book Fair is taking place at the Seaside Arena. Organized by the Arab Cultural Club and the Lebanese Publishers Association, the fair includes approximately 165 publishing houses. Organizers noted that the event serves as a sign of “cultural resilience” amidst ongoing economic, security, and political challenges in the region.

The 67th edition of the Beirut International Arab Book Fair has now concluded its ten-day run, having hosted tens of thousands of visitors. The event featured nearly 500 book signing sessions and approximately 100 seminars covering topics such as art, politics, and artificial intelligence. The fair saw significant participation from students, with thousands of attendees from various schools and institutes.

During the fair, Lebanese Finance Minister Yassin Jabr attended a signing and discussed the necessity of transitioning to a periodic pension system to ensure social dignity and financial stability. Additionally, cultural discussions addressed the protection of heritage during armed conflicts, with participants noting risks to sites like Baalbek Castle and the environmental impact of phosphorus on soil and olive trees.