GALLERY: Our Lady of Lebanon hosts its 18th annual festival

ON May 26 the Maronite parish of Our Lady of Lebanon, South of Johannesburg, hosted its 18th annual festival. The festival serves to commemorate the inauguration of the parish and to raise funds for various church outreach initiatives and projects. The day was officially opened after 10am Mass with a short prayer by father Jean Yammine (parish priest).

There was no shortage of entertainment beginning with belly dancing and traditional Lebanese Dabke, dancing by the Maronite Dancers under the watchful eye of instructors Belinda Auby and Savannah Karam.

A highlight of the dance was the parishes’ own Fr George Arrouk who couldn’t resist joining in. Following this, professional belly dancer Tarry Rego and her troupe from Hizi hizi Bellydance wooed the crowds with a performance.

Headlining the bill at 2pm were the legendary Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, belting out firm favourites by Bob Marley and the famous Sipho Hotstix track Burnout with the crowd singing along.

As part of fund-raising, raffle tickets have been on sale for several weeks leading up to the event. Ticket holders stood the chance to win a brand new Ford Figo as first prize, a trip to Lebanon as second prize and an outdoor statue of Our Lady as third prize. The draw took place at 3pm. The winners were: first prize Leopoldo Gambale, second prize Mr Raymond Abrosie and third prize Gavin Gossayn.

Flowers were presented by Fr Jean Yammine to the ladies from the church office, Dallas Webster and Michelle Nassif for their efforts in coordinating the event.

Top SA act Micasa took to the stage at 4pm with an incredibly responsive crowd followed by DJ Legacy bringing the entertainment bill to a close.

Traditional Lebanese food and other cuisine from around the world was on sale not excluding firm SA favourites, pancakes and boerie rolls. For the children, a childen’s activity corner was where all the fun was had.

The festival was well supported and a great day was had by all.

GALLERY: