Armenian Songs & Dances Baalbek Festival 1965
Name/Title
Armenian Songs & Dances Baalbek Festival 1965Description
he 1965 Baalbek Armenian Festival was a landmark cultural event held in Baalbek, Lebanon, during a period of profound significance for the Armenian diaspora. It coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, a moment that marked a shift toward more visible and vocal commemoration among Armenians worldwide. In Lebanon, which had one of the largest and most vibrant Armenian communities in the Middle East, the festival became both a celebration of cultural identity and an act of remembrance. Hosted under the broader umbrella of the prestigious Baalbek International Festival, the Armenian festival night brought Armenian music, dance, and performing arts to one of the region’s most prominent stages. It featured performances by Armenian folk dance ensembles, musicians, and possibly choirs, drawing from both traditional and contemporary expressions of Armenian culture. The event not only highlighted the artistic richness of the Armenian people but also underscored their endurance and contribution to Lebanese cultural life. In a time when public recognition of the Armenian Genocide was still politically sensitive, especially in Middle Eastern contexts, the 1965 festival served as a rare and bold affirmation of Armenian historical memory. It was both an artistic celebration and a quiet act of resistance—using culture to assert identity, continuity, and presence in the shadow of historical trauma. The festival is remembered today as a milestone in the history of Armenian diasporic expression and cultural diplomacy in Lebanon.Audio Format
33 RPM RecordRecording Type
MusicCategory
Vinyl Record