Marmarita Carnival is a celebration of heritage and unity.The village of Marmarita transforms every summer into a vibrant festival of culture and celebration with the Marmarita Carnaval. This annual event, held in August has become a symbol of creativity and Marmarita, part of the historically significant Wadi al-nasara (valley of the Christians). The Carnival consists of a series of events that include traditional music, dance, and fun experiences.
Syria became home to various Christian denominations including the Syriac Orthodox church, the Greek Orthodox church, and the catholic church. The Christian community in Syria is an integral part of the nation’s historical and cultural identity. Before the civil war, Christians made up approximately 10% of Syria’s population, numbering around 2.5 million. They were predominantly concentrated in major cities like Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and the coastal region of Latakia, as well as in smaller towns and villages such as Marmarita in the Wadi al-Nasara. This region, with its numerous churches and monasteries, is a testament to the historical and spiritual significance of Christianity in Syria.
The festival has attracted international visitors from all over the world to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Syrian people. despite the challenges in Syria, the festival serves as a reminder of the immortal spirit of the Syrian people and their commitment to protecting their culture and traditions, also, if you are interested in such festivals read more.
Syrian performers and musicians fill the air with traditional sounds, the beat of the darbuka, the strumming of the oud, and the melodies of mijwiz through the carnival, creating a stunning atmosphere that makes the streets of Marmarita come alive. you can read more about the traditional musical instruments
For folk dances, such as dabke, you will see young and old people joining hands and stepping harmoniously and performing in public spaces, don’t hesitate to join them, feel free to ask your guide at any time.
Visitors can enjoy dishes such as Shawarma, hummus, falafel, and a variety of Syrian delicacies, also desserts like Maamoul, and baklava are available. Similarly, local chefs demonstrate traditional cooking techniques, allowing visitors to learn about the secret recipe for Syrian dishes ( I think it’s no longer a secret). here are some of the famous dishes to try in Syria.
Diverse games and competitions are organized for all ages.
A special area in Marmarita Carnival is designed for children, for painting, craft workshops, and storytelling sessions.
since the region’s majority is Christian, religious ceremonies are an integral part of the Carnival reflecting the community’s spiritual heritage.
church choirs perform during the festival, adding a spiritual and relaxing vibe to the celebration.
You can get a lot of information from your Syrian Scope Travel’s guide about Marmarita and the surroundings like Wadi al-Nasara, ancient churches, and castles. check out the most attractive sites to visit in Syria
Costumes not only add color and excitement to the event but also, reflect the rich cultural heritage and creativity of the participants. Alongside traditional costumes, there are modern costumes that reflect the fashion sense of the community while honoring their heritage. These can include bright colors, and creative designs that go beyond traditional or historical themes. For the children, fairy tale and fantasy-themed costumes are popular, some costumes are designed purely for fun.
life is short, so book your trip to Marmarita Carnival now.
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Josh 2024-06-23 Lulu was our tour guide in Damascus in October 2022 and she was the best guide we could‘ve hopefully for! We had a tight schedule so we asked to see as much as possible, which she happily obliged to. She has a very interesting background, knowing every last bit of the city, its culture, history and food! She speaks multiple languages, including Japanese (!) and was just a fantastic guide to have. 10/10 would recommend. Samantha Echeverria 2024-06-23 An extraordinary and humbling experience. From start to finish the whole experience was an adventure, learning of the Syrians deep history gives a great insight to their collective strength and dedication to their culture. To walk the same footsteps as mentioned in the Bible and Quran is profound and indescribable. Overall I was incredibly humbled by my experience in Syria. 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Ayoub Al Smadi
Ayoub boasts over five years of tour guiding and tour operator expertise. he has a master’s degree in planning and managing sustainable tourism development, and his cheerful, vibrant personality makes every moment with him fly by unnoticed.