The Entrance of Saint Mama (photo by Fares Esber)
The most cheerful festivity is the one taking place on the occasion of Saint Mama Holiday (September 2nd). During this day, traditional dishes and liquor such as mesa, kibbeh, tabbuleh, sanbusek, arak…are served; the inhabitants, especially the young ones, are invited to play games, dance dabkeh, the traditional Lebanese dance which is the master dance in joyful occasions such as marriage and others.
Speaking of marriage, Kafarhata residents like all Lebanese people are still attached to many customs regarding the wedding day. You'll find the "TABL and ZAMR" in every wedding celebration with everbody dancing the Dabkeh. Another custom is when the bride first enters her groom house; she must put yeast on the main door and throw candies, chocolate, fruits and money to the wedding guests to bless the house.
The old oak tree near Mar Mama (more than 100 years old!) has been protected by the church association (wakf). A Fence, a deck and stairs were built around it so people can gather during picnics and festivities.(photo by Fares Esber)
Facts gathered by Marleine Chaiban in the light of the book written by Mr. Gebran jabbour and entitled "Kafarhata History: its families and monuments".