Lebanon paid a final tribute on Monday to renowned artist Ziad Rahbani, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 69.
In a deeply emotional and somber atmosphere, the composer’s coffin arrived at the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin in al-Mhaïdseh – Bickfaya. Family, friends, fellow artists, and members of the public gathered to accompany him on his final journey.
A poignant moment during the ceremony was the arrival of iconic singer Fairuz, accompanied by her daughter Rima Rahbani. Lebanon’s First Lady, Nehmat Aoun, was also in attendance.
Earlier in the morning, the funeral procession had departed from Beirut’s Hamra district, a neighborhood closely associated with Ziad Rahbani and a major source of inspiration in his work. From the early hours, a large crowd had gathered outside the hospital where he passed away, to bid farewell to a man who left an indelible mark on Lebanese music and the legacy of the Rahbani family and Fairuz.
As the coffin was carried out, the crowd broke into sustained applause, traditional ululations, and song.
The procession made its way along Hamra’s main street, with many citizens walking alongside, tossing flowers as the coffin passed, while Fairuz’s songs played in the background.
It then passed through the neighborhoods of Sanayeh, Spears, and Achrafieh, before heading toward Bickfaya, where a funeral mass is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin.
Condolences will be received at the church’s reception hall on Tuesday, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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