Ever wonder about the rich culture and history of Ottawa’s Lebanese community? The Ottawa Lebanese Festival offers an incredible opportunity to dive in, discover something new, and experience it firsthand. It’s a truly special event, known among locals for featuring the best of Lebanese cuisine, entertainment, and culture right here in Ottawa. Ottawa Ski is here to share all the details.
A Look Back: How It All Started
The Ottawa Lebanese Festival began in 1990 with a clear goal: to celebrate the vibrant traditions and deep roots of the Lebanese community in Canada’s capital. Every July, the festival transforms the Saint Elias Centre at 750 Ridgewood Avenue. You can catch the festivities from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, and from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekends.
The grounds of St. Elias Cathedral come alive with an incredible array of savoury dishes and so much more. It’s a highlight for Ottawa residents. Over five days, visitors can savour amazing food, enjoy Middle Eastern entertainment, and learn about the rich heritage of the Lebanese community.
What exactly is Lebanese cuisine like? It shares many similarities with the cuisines of other Eastern Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus. Here are some quintessential Lebanese dishes:
- Kibbeh: A delightful meat pie made with finely ground lamb and bulgur.
- Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad featuring parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur.
- To complement your meal, try Arak, the national drink. This potent, anise-flavoured spirit, made from fermented grape juice, is typically enjoyed with water and ice.
- Another must-try is Mujaddara: A hearty dish of cooked lentils combined with grain (often rice) and onions. This stew is sometimes enjoyed by members of the Lebanese diaspora during Lent.
To truly grasp the depth of Ottawa’s Lebanese culture and history, you’ll want to check out this video featuring Professor Kamal Dib. He’s a Canadian scholar and university professor of Lebanese origin, with over 20 books to his name, including “Beirut Cultural Shock: A Canadian Story.” Formerly an economist for the Canadian government, he now focuses on Canadian studies, Lebanon, and the Arab world. Kamal Dib is fluent in French, English, Arabic, German, Spanish, and Italian.
Festival Popularity
Each year, this non-profit cultural event draws thousands of locals and international visitors. For instance, in 2016, around 35,000 people attended.
The Ottawa Lebanese Festival is powered by dedicated volunteers from the Antiochian Orthodox Saint Elias Cathedral, located in Riverside and Ridgewood (across from Mooney’s Bay).
Let’s take a peek behind the scenes and highlight a few unique features of the Ottawa Lebanese Festival.
- Live music and a licensed lounge create a fantastic atmosphere.
- Delicious food! Some volunteers who prepare hummus, tabbouleh, and other traditional Lebanese dishes have been doing so for decades, often using recipes passed down from their mothers and grandmothers. Meanwhile, others are busy making saj bread – a flatbread that requires a particular touch. As one volunteer, Christine Ayoub, noted, “It’s hard, exhausting work. Very few people actually know how to make it.”
- Festival-goers can take advantage of free parking near the Canada Post building on Heron Road and Riverside Drive, with a convenient shuttle service to the festival grounds.
The Festival’s Value
Since 1990, the Ottawa Lebanese Festival has delighted residents, bringing vibrant experiences to both visitors and locals. According to Festival Chair George Hanna, the event doesn’t just introduce attendees to the multifaceted Lebanese culture through its traditional cuisine; it also offers a jam-packed entertainment program. For example, during the five-day celebration, the main festival stage hosts a variety of activities every evening, including midways (carnival rides), vendor stalls, and live performances. In 2024, a special highlight was the performance by renowned singer-songwriter Karl Wolf.
George Hanna also emphasized the vital role of the volunteers. Every year, they put in maximum effort to prepare authentic Lebanese dishes and create an unparalleled atmosphere. Moreover, for Ottawa’s Lebanese community, holding the festival is a fantastic way to showcase their culture and values to other nationalities.
Why You Should Visit
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- It’s your chance to enjoy authentic Lebanese cuisine, lovingly prepared by volunteers using traditional recipes.
- The Ottawa Lebanese Festival is a true window into Lebanese culture. Festival-goers can learn more about its customs, music, dance, and other aspects of this rich heritage.
- The packed entertainment program will keep everyone engaged. You’ll feel the positive and joyful atmosphere!
- It’s a wonderful way to support Ottawa’s Lebanese community and their efforts to share their culture with the city.
- And finally, it’s a truly unique experience that’s hard to find anywhere else in Ottawa.
From July 16 to 20, 2025, Ottawa will celebrate the best of Middle Eastern cuisine. Attending the Ottawa Lebanese Festival offers residents and visitors to Canada’s capital an incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture without ever leaving Ottawa.
