Lead:
Lebanon's entertainment and cultural landscape reflects competing currents: traditional festivals and oral storytelling continue to anchor community identity, while global trends in technology reshape youth engagement with reading and media consumption. Recent reporting documents both the resilience of heritage practices and emerging challenges posed by digital platforms on literacy and educational outcomes.
Top Stories:
Donkey Racing Festival in Rum — The village of Rum in Jezzine district (south Lebanon) has maintained its traditional donkey racing event as part of the Grape Festival since 1964, preserving the practice as a form of tribute to the animal's historical contribution to rural life and culture.Youth Reading Decline and Smartphone Use — A global education assessment reveals that minors increasingly accustomed to smartphone use have reached their lowest reading proficiency levels this century, indicating a significant correlation between device dependency and literacy performance among young people.Selina Ryan and Media Platform Accountability — An investigation by the Legal Memo reveals that three Lebanese media platforms presented Selina Ryan as an "independent journalist," but examination of her background raises questions about the accuracy of this professional designation and editorial transparency standards.Haula Graduates Commemorate Shahada — The youth initiative "Our Appointment in Haula" organized a ceremony honoring high school graduates on Saturday, drawing approximately 70 students to the Jennan Hall near the airport, held in memory of community martyrs and celebration of educational achievement.Shadi Saad and the Storytelling Tradition in Hamana — A bird watcher and native of Hamana, Shadi Saad has chosen to preserve the ancient art of oral storytelling (Hakawati) as a cultural practice, keeping a foundational narrative tradition alive in contemporary Lebanon.Layla Kanaan at Murex d'Or 2026 — Director Layla Kanaan selected a white gown designed by Lebanese designer Charbel Zouey for her appearance at the Murex d'Or awards ceremony, showcasing Lebanese fashion design on a regional awards platform.Coming Up:
The Murex d'Or awards continue to provide a showcase for Lebanese creative talent across film, fashion, and entertainment sectors.