Feast of the Annunciation is a national holiday celebrated every 25th of March in Lebanon. This day pays tribute to the biblical announcement by the Angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. It is a unique holiday that eloquently bridges Christian and Muslim faiths with both having respective beliefs in the annunciation.
The day is observed with a series of church services and religious rituals. This includes prayer meetings, mass gatherings, sermons, and processions. Special meals are also prepared to mark the day and homes are often decorated. The day is seen as a time for meditation, reflection, and gratitude. A number of cities, including the capital Beirut, hold festivals and other activities marking the occasion, with devoted followers of both religions joining in.
The Feast of the Annunciation in Lebanon is a robust testimony to the country's culture of coexistence and religious tolerance. It serves not only as a religious commemoration but also as a symbol of unity among diverse faiths. The national holiday has been celebrated officially since 2010, when the Lebanese government announced the day as a holiday intended to foster mutual respect and dialogue between Christians and Muslims in the country.