"The northern Lebanese coastal city of Tripoli hosted its annual 'Zambo' Festival on Sunday, a celebration marking the beginning of the Orthodox Christian Lenten season. Footage shows carnival participants wearing special occasion costumes, beating drums, dancing, and parading through the neighbourhoods of the Mina district in Tripoli. "In the old days, we would celebrate it for an entire week with costumes, drums, and oud playing through the neighbourhoods. Each night, we would gather in homes until late," Bashara Hassan, organiser of the Zambo Festival, explained. "The origins of 'Zambo' have religious connections; some believe the carnival came from Brazil, while others trace it back to Greece," he added. Hassan noted that 'people from every corner of the city' join the festivities, citing both Muslim and Christian visitors. He added that this year's festival coincided with Eid, the holy month of Ramadan, and Lent celebrations. "We're marking three occasions simultaneously to spread happiness across all of Lebanon," he continued. The 'Zambo' Carnival is a unique annual tradition held on the last Sunday before the start of Lent for Christian communities following the Eastern calendar. The celebration features body painting, costume wearing, dancing, and diving into the sea."