LEBANESE FESTIVAL 2026: QUEBEC MEDIA MUST TALK ABOUT IT: Why the Silence?
- Editor
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
The Lebanese Festival continues its mission of bringing Quebec communities together through culture, gastronomy, and music during its 24th edition. The event, which welcomes thousands of visitors every year, highlights the richness of Lebanese culture while encouraging exchanges between different communities.
The festival’s official host, George Salamé, emphasizes the importance of this annual gathering that brings together participants from across Quebec. “We have been here for 4 days to present this festival in its 24th edition, the Lebanese Festival that brings together all communities from everywhere in Quebec,” he explains.
For the host, the success of the festival lies in its ability to create a space where visitors can discover different aspects of Lebanese culture. “It is so important to be here, to be able to join the festivities, to taste Lebanese cuisine and to listen to this music,” he says, adding that the event also allows the public to welcome artists who come every year to perform on stage and share their passion with the audience.
Beyond performances and traditional cuisine, the Lebanese Festival also represents an opportunity for community members to discover different services and resources that can be useful in their daily lives. Several exhibitors present products, professional advice, and solutions adapted to families’ needs.
Among the services offered, financial advice holds an important place. A financial advisor present at the event explains that many people sometimes lack the time to learn more about managing their personal finances and the strategies that can help them better prepare for the future.
“In general, people work a lot; they don’t really have much time to learn about finances, how they can save, and how they can protect their family,” he explains.
According to him, the support of an advisor can help families better understand their financial situation and establish realistic goals. “A good planner, a competent advisor can help them and guide them,” he adds.
Financial planning involves protecting income, saving, and preparing for retirement. The experts present discuss topics such as life insurance, disability insurance, protection against certain serious illnesses, as well as different savings strategies that allow people to better manage their taxes.
Entrepreneurs can also benefit from advice adapted to their situations, particularly regarding certain tax strategies related to incorporation or business management.
A Showcase of Quebec’s Diversity
The Lebanese Festival goes beyond the boundaries of a single community. For many participants and organizers, the event represents a concrete image of multicultural Quebec, where different backgrounds contribute to enriching society.
“Canada and Quebec are multicultural places where everyone lives together, and it is a way to exchange cultures,” explains one speaker.
According to him, media visibility for cultural events plays an essential role in helping citizens better understand the different communities that make up Quebec society.
“We need to be much more present on social media and on television so that people understand what is happening in other communities,” he adds.
Cultural representation in the media therefore remains an important issue for organizers, who want every community to have the opportunity to share its history and identity.
“It is so important to talk about Lebanese culture and all cultures on Quebec television because we are truly a large part of this society,” he explains.
Thousands of Visitors Expected to Celebrate Peace
The growing popularity of the festival has pushed organizers to expand the space dedicated to activities in order to better welcome visitors. Once again this year, thousands of people attended to take part in the celebrations.
“We welcome thousands of people. The space is much larger this year because we could no longer accommodate everyone,” says a member of the organizing team.
The event attracts not only the Lebanese community but also visitors from different backgrounds who come to discover Lebanese music, traditions, and hospitality.
For this 24th edition, the festival’s central message is focused on peace. Organizers want to remind people that culture can become a tool for bringing communities closer together.
“The message this year of the Lebanese Festival is Lebanon, a symbol of peace. Peace is something that is so important today everywhere in the world,” says George Salamé.
Through music, songs, and cultural encounters, the festival aims to share a message of unity and highlight the importance of dialogue between communities.
After 24 years of existence, the Lebanese Festival continues to play the role of a cultural bridge, celebrating Lebanese heritage while contributing to the creation of a more inclusive Quebec that is open to diversity.
Comments