Lebanon’s coastal city of Saïda has been chosen as one of the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture & Dialogue 2027. It’s a prestigious title — but its real value depends on what happens next.
The Ministry of Culture has congratulated Saïda on its selection as a Mediterranean Capital of Culture & Dialogue for 2027, an initiative led by the Union for the Mediterranean. The title recognises cities whose history, cultural life and social fabric make them natural hubs for creativity and coexistence across the region.
For Saïda, one of Lebanon’s oldest and most emblematic coastal cities, the announcement is both an honour and a responsibility. It shines a spotlight on a place that has long stood at the crossroads of trade, faiths and civilisations — and asks what new stories it wants to tell in 2027.
Why Saïda?
The official statement from the Ministry of Culture highlights three main reasons for Saïda’s selection:
- Historical depth: Saïda is a city whose streets, port and monuments carry traces of Phoenician, Ottoman and modern Lebanese history.
- Cultural dynamism: Beyond ruins and museums, Saïda hosts festivals, artistic initiatives and community projects that keep its heritage alive.
- Role in dialogue: The city has long been a meeting point for different communities and cultures, making it a natural platform for conversations about coexistence.
In the words of the Ministry, the designation acknowledges Saïda’s capacity to serve as “a vibrant platform for creativity, heritage, innovation and social cohesion.”
What The Ministry Is Promising
Culture Minister Dr. Ghassan Salameh has pledged full support to Saïda as it prepares its programme for 2027. According to the official statement, the Ministry intends to:
- work closely with the municipality, cultural organisations and civil society;
- help design and implement a diverse cultural calendar for 2027;
- mobilise resources and expertise to strengthen Saïda’s cultural infrastructure;
- ensure the impact lasts beyond a single “celebration year”.
Behind the diplomatic language is a clear promise: this is not meant to be a one-off fireworks show, but a chance to invest in lasting structures and networks.
A Stage For Lebanon’s Diversity
The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture & Dialogue initiative aims to showcase how cities around the sea can be engines of peace and exchange, not just tourism postcards. For Lebanon, Saïda’s selection is a chance to present a different story to the region and the world — one that emphasizes creativity, resilience and shared heritage.
Exhibitions, performances, residencies and public debates in 2027 could highlight:
- Saïda’s historic role as a trade and cultural hub;
- contemporary Lebanese artists and cultural entrepreneurs;
- projects that bring together youth from different regions and backgrounds;
- partnerships with other Mediterranean cities facing similar challenges.
Turning A Title Into Real Change
Titles are easy to announce and easy to forget. For Saïda, the risk is that “Mediterranean Capital of Culture & Dialogue 2027” becomes just another logo on a poster if the city’s deeper needs are not addressed.
To turn this recognition into lasting change, several things will matter:
- Community involvement: Locals, especially young people, need to be participants, not just spectators.
- Accessibility: Events should reach neighborhoods beyond the usual cultural centers.
- Support for creators: Artists, writers, filmmakers and cultural workers need real support, not just invitations to perform for photo opportunities.
- Infrastructure: Restoring historic sites, improving public spaces and supporting small businesses can make the city more welcoming long after 2027.
A Rare Bright Spot — And A Test
In a Lebanon often dominated by crisis headlines, Saïda’s new status as a Mediterranean Capital of Culture & Dialogue is a rare piece of good news. It recognizes a city that has carried history on its shoulders for centuries — and invites it to imagine a new role in the region.
Whether that invitation becomes real transformation will depend on what happens between now and 2027: how seriously the Ministry keeps its promises, how boldly Saïda’s cultural community dreams, and how fully residents are invited to be part of the story.
For now, one thing is clear: the Mediterranean will be watching Saïda. The question is what the city chooses to show.
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