Syrian Wedding Party

 

As we sat outside the hotel at the lovely Italian restaurant working and eating we were bombarded with noise of a loud beating drum. Considering this is a relatively quiet area of town, our journalistic instincts forced us to jump to our feet and find out what was happening.

There were signs posted in the hotel that a wedding would be happening this evening, so we assumed this must be related.

As we walked into the parking lot outside the hotel entrance there were a group of men dancing and singing.

As the drums continuously beat the men we perched on one another’s shoulders singing and dancing. There was a leader who was yelling (in Arabic so we did not understand) and had all the men following around.

They proceeded to bring out swords and some sort of metal awnings. They lit several torches on the awnings and danced under and around them. The drums continued to beat throughout the ten-minute ceremony, although one obvious absentee was the bride.

After a few minutes we were informed that women were not allowed to be a part of this celebration, but we stayed anyway. It was such a clear example of being in the right place at the right time.

Throughout this trip we have had the experience to meet with dignitaries and ministers, which has been amazing, but it is these spur of the moment experiences that are truly once in a lifetime. My camera died while taking pictures so I will add photos of this amazing night tomorrow.

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