A scent of a Lebanese spirit
From grapes to your Arak glasses
The Arak festival takes place at Nahr ed Dahab, at the Mchati entrance of the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, on the 12th of September. Arak is a local traditional anise-based distilled alcohol drink commonly consumed in social settings. Nazih Nader, a local villager, demonstrates the Arak-making process using a Karkeh and rural women preparing an open buffet of Lebanese mezes and BBQ.
The distillation process in the Karkeh requires a whole day and night. The word Arak"عرق" is Arabic and means precipitation. The 2 main ingredients are grapes and crushed anise seeds which give it its peculiar flavour and aroma. Aniseed is added to the distilled alcohol during the second of the three distillation processes.
The festival features many cultural activities, such as Tawleh (traditional backgammon game), Dabkeh dancing, Zajal and competitive singing. Lots of drinking, eating and socializing awaits you!
Quick overview
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Opening days
12th September
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Opening times
From 12:00 pm till 12:00 am
- Web
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Reservation & Price
Reservation is required
Suggested periods
- Autumn
- Spring
Services
- WC
- Shuttle Bus
- 20 local guides
- 2 local guards
- Hoda Nader Guesthouse
How to get there
By car/taxi:
From Beirut Airport to Nahr ed Dahab with private transportation. The total distance is approximately 49 km.
Additional Info
Respect for the people and for the cultural and religious values of our territories is fundamental for anyone wishing to discover and experience our itineraries