Lebanon celebrates its National Day on the date it gained independence. On the 22nd of November each year, the Lebanese remember the end of the French Mandate over their country. For 23 years, the country was under French colonial rule. It was only on the 22nd of November in 1943 that the Lebanese leaders were released from detention by the French. The holiday remains a significant day for Lebanon and is celebrated with cheer up until today. Independence Day or National Day in Lebanon serves as the people’s reminder of everything they had suffered under various colonial forces. Hence, the whole nation participates in making November 22nd a special day for merriment and nationalistic pride.

Here is everything you need to know about National Day (Independence Day) in Lebanon.

Table of Contents

• Is Independence Day in Lebanon a public holiday?
• History of Independence Day in Lebanon
• Lebanon Independence Day Activities and Celebrations
• Past and Future Observances of Independence Day in Lebanon

Is Independence Day in Lebanon a public holiday?

National Day or Independence Day in Lebanon is a public holiday. Government offices and schools are closed on the 22nd of November to mark the day Lebanon acquired its independence. Most businesses pause their operations on Independence Day too.

History of Independence Day in Lebanon

From 1516 to 1918, Lebanon was under the administrative rule of the Ottoman Empire. In 1920, the leader of the French troops in the Levant, General Gouraud, issued a decree defining the borders of Greater Lebanon or “Grand Liban”. Until 1941, the Grand Liban remained under the French Mandate.

In 1940, the Vichy Government assumed power over French territories. With this, General Henri Fernand Dentz was selected to become the high commissioner of Lebanon. Eventually, Emile Edde, the Lebanese president at the time, issued his resignation on April 4, 1941. Alfred Naccache was also appointed by General Dentz to become the new President of Lebanon, but his administration lasted for only 3 months.

In July of 1941, Vichy’s control over French territories ended as a result of a resolution signed in Acre. General Charles de Gaulle visited Lebanon after the treaty was signed and the Vichy Government released its control over the region. During de Gaulle’s visit, the Lebanese national leaders sought for the end of the French Mandate in Lebanon. However, it was General Georges Catroux, a delegate general under General de Gaulle, who proclaimed the independence of Lebanon on November 26, 1941. Catroux’s proclamation was largely attributed to national and international pressure on the French government.

The independence of Lebanon, as acknowledged by General Catroux, was recognized by most countries, particularly the Arab states, Soviet Union, United States, Soviet Union, and Asian countries. However, the French still did not end their administrative and political sovereignty over Lebanon.

Three years later, Lebanon elected President Bechara El Khoury and appointed Prime Minister Riad al-Solh. With these leaders, they amended the Lebanese Constitution. Under the amended constitution, the French Mandate was officially ended. Nonetheless, the French still did not recognize this move. Instead, they ordered the arrest of the newly elected president, the prime minister, and other cabinet members. The Lebanese leaders were exiled to an old citadel in Rashaya. While the leaders were on exile, Lebanon still functioned as a government with Emir Majod Arslan and Habib Abou Chahla at the head. The two ministers moved their government to Bachamoun and were provided shelter and protection at Hussein El Halabi’s residence.

France’s response to Lebanon caught international attention. The Christian and Muslim communities in Lebanon even formed a unified opinion against the Mandate. Eventually, France yielded to international and local pressure. It released the prisoners on November 22, 1943. Since then, the Lebanese commemorate this day as the official date of the country’s independence from the French Mandate.

In 1945, Lebanon became a member of the Arab League and the United Nations. In 1946, French troops, which remained in Lebanon, completely withdrew with the signing of the Franco-Lebanese Treaty.

Lebanon Independence Day Activities and Celebrations

One of the most significant and awaited public holidays in Lebanon is its National Day or Independence Day. On November 22 of each year, the entire country is filled with cheer and gaiety as the people remember the day Lebanon achieved its independence. Independence Day in Lebanon is celebrated with a grand parade, which features the military and Lebanese dignitaries. There are also fireworks displays which children and adults anticipate. Moreover, communities organize concerts and cultural events to highlight Lebanese heritage. The streets and buildings in Lebanon are also decorated with the national flag as a symbol of the country’s freedom and identity. Almost every corner of Lebanon bursts with the colors of its flag: red, green, and white. Likewise, most families choose to spend the day in either historic sites or public parks. The Castle of Rashaya is one of the most frequented spots during this day, as the people want to remember how their rulers suffered in exile in an effort to gain independence from French rule.

Past and Future Observances of Independence Day in Lebanon

Below are the past and future observances of Independence Day in Lebanon: