Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Homs, SANA – Activities of al-Qalaa and al-Wadi “The Castle and Valley”Festival kicked off on Thursday in Wadi al-Nadara (valley) in Homs province with the participation of a huge crowd of people, including political, cultural, social, civil and local figures.
Minister of Tourism Bishr Yazigi highlighted the importance of annually holding the festival, which has become a prominent event observed every year in al-Wadi area, pointing out that the event reflects that fact that “the Syrians are determined to continue living and to triumph over evil and terrorism.”
Holding the festival amid this significant popular participation, said Yazigi, sends “a message to the whole world that Syria will remain the country embracing history, civilization and heritage.”
Yazigi used the opportunity of the festival to call upon the Syrian expatriates to play a role in supporting tourism in the country and to be real partners and present their investment and promotion initiatives to start joint projects.
For his part, Homs Governor Talal al-Barazi noted that the festival has played an important role in recovery in Homs province in general and in al-Wadi area in particular, saying “With our music and joy, we will defeat the voice of their deadly bullets.”
A number of artists and people in charge of the festival were honored. Songs were played by Hala Naqrour and folk and popular dance routines were performed by Jullanar band.
An exhibition displaying handmade items and tools and popular sweets and food types was opened at the Church in al-Qelatiyeh area as part of the festival’s activities.
Reem/H. Said
