Lebanon National Day 2026

Families gather around mezze, grills, sweets and coffee, while music, neighbourhood life and diaspora connections give the national story warmth beyond formal ceremony. The date is linked to the release of Lebanese leaders imprisoned by French authorities after they moved to remove mandate restrictions from the constitution.

The capital hosts military and civic Independence Day events.

22 November marks Lebanon Independence Day, commemorating the end of the French mandate in 1943. The date is linked to the release of Lebanese leaders imprisoned by French authorities after they moved to remove mandate restrictions from the constitution.

The day became Lebanon's central national holiday because it represents sovereignty, constitutional politics and the delicate balance between religious communities. Later civil war, occupation, reconstruction and crisis have made independence both cherished and fragile.

Today Independence Day is marked with military ceremonies, flags, school events, speeches and cultural programming, especially in Beirut. Visitors see cedar flags, army presence, mountain and coastal imagery, and a public mood that often mixes pride with political frustration.

Across Lebanon, the holiday is social and food-rich. Families gather around mezze, grills, sweets and coffee, while music, neighbourhood life and diaspora connections give the national story warmth beyond formal ceremony.

• 1920Greater Lebanon proclaimed under French mandate
• 1943Independence leaders released and mandate rule ends
• 1989Taif Agreement helps end the civil war

• Celebratednationwide
• CapitalBeirut
• Time zoneEET (UTC+2)

• Currency: Lebanese pound
• Language: Arabic, French
• Driving: on the right
• Capital: Beirut
• Phone: +961
• Emergency: 112
• Electricity: 220 V, 50 Hz, plugs A/B/C/D/G