Beirut Celebrates Halloween with a Joyful Costume Race
In a spirited display of resilience and joy, Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, recently celebrated Halloween with a festive event that brought together numerous young people and families. This celebration, detailed by Annahar, was marked by a recreational sports activity, specifically a collective run where participants donned various costumes, infusing the main streets with an atmosphere of celebration.
A Parade of Costumes and Festivities
The participants, including many young people and families, began their race from the Beirut waterfront, moving through several neighborhoods. The atmosphere was enhanced by music and a vibrant array of costumes. These costumes ranged from fictional characters and cinema heroes to spooky symbols, which brought a sense of joy and vitality to the city. This was particularly noteworthy given the difficult conditions the country is currently experiencing.
The Essence of Halloween
Halloween, a tradition with Western roots, is observed annually on October 31st. It involves people wearing costumes and decorating streets and homes with pumpkins and candles. Children typically go on “Trick or Treat” rounds. This custom has gradually spread to Arab cities, especially among young people. In Beirut, this year’s celebration became a space for collective release from stress. It was an initiative to revitalize the streets through joy, running, and music. This served as a symbolic affirmation of the Lebanese people’s love for life despite the crises.
The event in Beirut was a vibrant demonstration of the community’s spirit and their determination to find moments of joy and unity, even amidst adversity. The celebration reflected a collective desire to infuse the city with life and color, showcasing the enduring spirit of Beirut’s residents. The event showcased the city’s ability to create a sense of normalcy and fun, bringing a momentary escape from the day-to-day challenges faced by its residents.