City: Birmingham, AL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (205) 252-3867

Description: Birmingham enjoys a strong Lebanese tradition since the earliest days of the city when many immigrants living in the Northeast migrated south. Many peddled fruits and vegetables, eventually becoming wholesalers and retailers of groceries or selling linen and dry goods. The Maronites, a sect of Catholics founded by Maron, a monk from Syria during the 5th century, soon established themselves in Birmingham. The food festival celebrates more than a century of Lebanese life and culture in Birmingham through food, music, and culture. Delicious items like baked kibbee, grape leaves, falafel, baklava, flat bread, harrissi, and other items are reason enough to participate. Church tours, traditional dancing, commemorative items, and a heritage room present the best of Lebanese culture. There is no admission charge to attend.