This summer’s Ehdeniyat Festival is now underway! This annual event – held in the North Lebanon town of  Ehden, nestled between the peaks of the surrounding mountains – takes place in both winter and summer. The brainchild of Mrs. Rima Sleiman, it is organised and run by a locally based NGO called Al Midan.

The festival, which has its roots in the local community’s traditions and love for the surrounding environment, started life in 2004 and has taken place on several occasions since then. The vision is to provide a platform for local people, but especially youths, to express themselves by sharing their love of various topics.

The events taking place more or less fall under one of the following four topics:

• Environmental activities
• Cinematographic activities
• Handicrafts
• Astrologic activities

Acts this year include Helene Segara, whose sold-out performance last night marked the official start to the festival, Tino Favazza, Bond, Arthur Satyan, Jahida Wehbe, Oussama Rahbani, Hiba Tawaji, Carole Samaha and Ilham Al Madfai. There’s also a week activities completely aimed at kids, so parents can be confident in the knowledge that there’s something on offer to keep the little ones entertained.

The festival runs from now until the August 28, so there’s still plenty of time to get involved if you’re keen to take part in a bit of culture.

In addition Ehdeniyat, Ehden has much more to offer to tourists. Its proximity to Mount Makmal and Kornet el Sawda, the highest peaks in Lebanon, offer plenty of opportunities for following Lebanon’s best hiking routes. The natural surroundings are inrecidbly impressive, with beautiful views afforded by Ehden’s significant elevation.

History buffs will be fascinated by the town’s ancient ruins, that include remnants of a Greek presence from thousands of years ago. The holy sites and places of worship, that continue to be used to this day, are also well worth a look.

Ehden is around 100km north of Beirut, meaning that staying in a hotel in Beirut is an option, but a hotel in Tripoli – just 30km to the West – may be a better bet for those who wish to visit Ehden. Alternatively, Bcharreh and the area surround Lebanon’s famous Cedars, is also an excellent choice. There are many outstanding Cedars hotels that can provide excellent accomodation, with Ehden jsut a short journey away to the north.