Ghebaleh facts for kids
Ghebaleh, also spelled Ghbeleh (غباله) in Arabic, is a charming village located in the Keserwan region of Lebanon. It's about 40 kilometers (25 miles) away from Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon. Ghebaleh is often called the "capital" of the Ftouh Kesrwan area. It sits high up in the Lebanese mountains, with parts of it ranging from 700 to 1100 meters (about 2,300 to 3,600 feet) above sea level.
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Exploring Ghebaleh: History and Nature
Ghebaleh is known for its beautiful wild nature and its rich historical heritage. It is a traditional Christian village nestled in the Lebanese mountains.
Important Churches and Religious Sites
The village is home to several old and important churches. One of the most famous is the St. Sarkis & Bakhos Church, which is about 400 years old! Other notable churches in the area include:
- St. Georges Church at Hakl al Rayes
- St. Chalita Church
- St. Antoine Church
- St. Nohra Church
- Ste Al Shekiff Church
- The Immaculate Conception Church
The El Hosri Family and Mar Nohra Festival
The El Hosri family is a very well-known family in Ghebaleh. They were among the first Maronites (a Christian group) to settle in the village in the 1500s. This family played a big part in the growth and importance of Ghebaleh over the years. They helped the village become a significant place both religiously and socially.
Some famous members of the El Hosri family include:
- Yousef Semaan El Hosri, who was chosen to lead the area.
- Dr. Chucri Nassif El Hosri, one of the first four medical doctors in Lebanon, who graduated in 1900.
- Dr. Antoine Chucri El Hosri, the first gastroenterologist (a doctor specializing in the digestive system) in Lebanon.
- Mr. Fernand Antoine Hosri, a businessman who worked hard to serve Mar Nohra and help restore the historic church.
The village celebrates "Eid Mar Nohra" on July 22nd each year. This festival honors the patron saint of the El Hosri family. The celebrations last for a whole week, with the main excitement happening on the evening of July 21st.
Feast of the Cross Celebration
Another important festival in Ghebaleh is "Eid Al Saleeb," which means the Feast of the Cross. This event takes place every year on September 13th. The festival includes:
- A fun carnival
- Exciting musical events
- Special religious gatherings
People from all over Lebanon, and even locals living abroad, come to Ghebaleh to join in these celebrations.
Ghebaleh as a Summer Getaway
During the summer months, Ghebaleh is a popular place for people to visit. It offers much cooler weather compared to the hot Lebanese coast. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful nature and still be close to city facilities. Ghebaleh also has excellent restaurants where you can enjoy delicious Lebanese food.
