Lebanese Festival Celebrated at St. Maron’s Church in Minneapolis

St. Maron's Catholic Church in Minneapolis recently concluded its 33rd annual Lebanese Festival, celebrating Lebanese culture amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East. The festival served as a gathering for the Lebanese community, emphasizing themes of love, brotherhood, and joy, as expressed by Chorbishop Sharbel Maroun. He highlighted the importance of community and the need for a refreshing experience away from the violence and political unrest affecting Lebanon. The backdrop of the festival included recent escalations in conflict, with Hezbollah launching over 100 rockets into northern Israel, prompting air raid sirens and widespread panic. This violence has resulted in significant casualties and injuries, with Hezbollah vowing to retaliate against Israel for previous attacks that killed many of its members. Maroun, who fled Lebanon during the rise of Hezbollah in the 1980s, noted that many parishioners immigrated to the U.S. to escape similar turmoil. Despite the ongoing crisis in Lebanon, attendees like Chris and Sarah Hayek, who relocated from Beirut, expressed their happiness in Minneapolis, emphasizing that the current situation does not represent the true spirit of the Lebanese people. They conveyed a message of resilience and joy, showcasing the community's ability to celebrate life despite external challenges. The festival was intentionally apolitical, focusing on cultural pride and unity rather than the conflicts that have plagued Lebanon. It aimed to present a different narrative, one of peace and enjoyment, contrasting sharply with the violence and instability that dominate headlines about the region.