Published on 6/27/2026
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Last update: 23:01 (Mecca time)
In the town of Hammana in Mount Lebanon Governorate, the municipality celebrated the annual cherry festival, where the townspeople and visitors gathered to celebrate it. This year, it turned into more than just an agricultural celebration, and became a forum for displaced families from the south through which they affirmed their adherence to their right to live and remain on their land.
From the point of view of the mayor of Hammana, Amin Labous, the festival has an impact on the psychological state of families in the harsh circumstances that the country is going through, stressing that such an atmosphere spreads a state of “a space of hope” among the Lebanese after long years of crises and wars.
During a report on the Al Jazeera Lebanon platform, citizens were unanimous in their joy at such activities that restore hope to Lebanese families, expressing their joy and their adherence to every thread that connects them to happiness.
In this context, Mohsen Al-Amin, who has a special relationship with the south despite his long residence in Beirut, confirms that returning to the land carries a meaning that cannot be easily described.
During the report, prepared by journalist Mohamed Zanati, Al-Amin said that he goes to Shaqra every summer and spring, and continued: “I love the south and I love returning to this land that gives people energy that they cannot find in the city.”
While he used to participate in olive picking seasons, this year he found himself picking cherries in Hammana, hoping to soon return to his fields in the south.
Regarding the devastation that befell his town, he said: “There are many homes that were destroyed, and the homes of friends and relatives no longer exist, but everyone who loves Chakra is ready to return to it, regardless of the losses.”
As for Rima Ezz El-Din, who was displaced from the western town of Zawtar to Beirut, she came to Hammana with her family in an attempt to escape for a while from the pressures of war.
Rima said: “We, the people of the South, love life and love joy, so we considered this an opportunity to come here.” However, moving from a region experiencing the repercussions of war to a place that celebrates life leaves her with a contradictory feeling, as she sees that southerners sometimes feel that they are living a different reality from the rest of the Lebanese.
Despite this, the wish remains the same: “God willing, the coming days will be more beautiful, joy will return to the south, and we will return to our homes.”
The return of peace and tranquility was also the wish of Zainab Nasrallah, who comes from the town of Yahmar al-Shaqif, which is still suffering from the effects of war and occupation. She said: “We hope that it will be liberated soon so that we can return to it.”
Despite the pain that accompanies the people of the South, she confirms that joy is part of their personality and life, adding: “We Southerners love joy, and we go to any place where there is joy, so we are here today.”
The mayor of Hammana also pointed out that the festival has become part of a broader vision to develop agricultural tourism in the town, explaining that the number of cherry farmers in Hammana has increased significantly in recent years.
He confirms that cherries are no longer just an agricultural crop, but have become an entry point for environmental and tourism projects that help support the local economy and encourage residents to remain in their villages instead of migrating to the cities.
