Christians across the Middle East and North Africa celebrate the Assumption despite challenges

Across the Middle East and North Africa, Christians celebrated the solemnity of the Assumption according to their own traditions and cultures, despite the different challenges facing their communities.

Lebanon Despite the ongoing war and the country’s difficult economic situation, streets across Lebanon on Saturday were filled with processions honoring the Virgin Mary, with each village marking the feast through its own customs.

In the southern town of Jezzine in Lebanon, a long procession culminated with a rosary made of balloons being released into the sky. A statue of the Virgin Mary was then lifted above the crowd by a crane, symbolizing her assumption into heaven, as flower petals rained down on those gathered below.

Solemnity of the Assumption celebrations take place in Jezzine, southern Lebanon, on Aug. 15, 2026. | Credit: Rami Rizk

In Bhamdoun, Mount Lebanon, villagers continued their tradition of preparing “hreeseh” together for the feast. Residents took turns stirring the traditional wheat-and-meat dish in large cauldrons as it cooked for hours.

Syria Despite earlier announcements by some churches canceling public festivities amid a rise in the kidnapping…