Ziad Sami Itani
In the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s, Beirut was more than just a Lebanese capital; It was a sparkling dream on the shores of the Mediterranean, and a beacon of life, art and beauty in the entire Arab region. It was the “Paris of the East,” as the world liked to call it, where Arab authenticity mixed with European sophistication, and civilizations met in a unique, never-before-seen scene.
The atmosphere: a night of the life
Preparations
Preparations for New Year’s Eve began months in advance. Hotels and amusement parks were competing in providing the most luxurious offers and the finest services. The decorations were imported from Europe, the fresh flowers were brought from Holland, and the food and drink were of the finest international quality.
Magic night
On that blessed night, Beirut was transformed into a city of lights and colors. The streets are filled with luxury cars, and people in their elegant formal clothes are heading to their reserved celebration venues. Lights twinkle from everywhere, and music flows from every corner. At midnight, when the celebration hour struck, fireworks were launched in the Beirut sky from various regions, in a majestic, breathtaking scene.
Dancing and singing
The halls were filled with dancers moving to the beat of live music. Some prefer formal classical dancing, others surrender to the rhythms of Arabic music, twist and rock and roll. Everyone is singing, cheering and celebrating the coming of the new year with unparalleled enthusiasm.
Food and drink
Luxurious banquets were served all night. From caviar and lobster to authentic Lebanese mezze; Everything was available in the finest quality. International chefs were competing in presenting artistic dishes that pleased the eye before delighting the taste.
Artistic performances are irresistibly magical
Beirut was hosting major Arab singing stars on New Year’s Eve. They all sang on Beirut’s stages and nightclubs, leaving their immortal imprints on the city’s memory.
Beirut was not limited to Arab art, but it was also attracting international stars from all over the world. Frank Sinatra, Charles Aznavour, Dalida, Enrico Macias, and many others livened the nights of Beirut with their fine art.
Also, performance groups from Paris, Milan, and London came specifically to Beirut to perform on New Year’s Eve. Ballet dancers, chorus liners, and acrobats were performing dazzling performances comparable to what is presented in the most prestigious theaters in Europe.
Beirut was also bringing in the best musicians in the world. Entire bands were hired for months only to play in various hotels and nightclubs during the New Year season, especially American jazz bands and European symphony orchestras.
Beirut is a tourist destination on New Year’s Eve
Arab tourists were flocking to Beirut in their thousands, especially during the New Year season. For them, Beirut was a window to freedom and openness, where they could enjoy what they could not enjoy in their countries. They would reserve hotels and tables in restaurants and nightclubs months in advance, and they would spend lavishly, making Beirut a thriving economic center.
As for European tourists, they came to discover this unique city that combines the charm of the East with the comfort of the West. They found in Beirut all the luxury and sophistication they were accustomed to, with a charming and irresistible oriental flavor.
Likewise, Americans were also pioneers in Beirut, especially businessmen, diplomats, and journalists. For them, Beirut was the only Arab city that resembled American cities in its openness and vitality, with a unique, special character.
New Year’s Eve in Beirut was more than just celebrations; It was an embodiment of the spirit of a city that was able to combine authenticity and modernity, between East and West, in a unique blend that made it a beacon of civilization and art in the region. Those sparkling nights, with their music, lights and liveliness, remain a witness to a golden era that Beirut experienced, and a living memory in the hearts of those who lived it and those who heard about it.
Legendary hotels – palaces of hospitality and luxury
–St. George Hotel – an icon of Lebanese sophistication
On the Beirut Corniche, the St. George Hotel stood tall as a symbol of authentic Lebanese hospitality. It was opened in 1932, and became a meeting place for heads of state, artists and celebrities from all over the world. New Year’s concerts were booked at least six months in advance, as it hosted the most famous bands, ballet and show dance performances. Its famous swimming pool overlooking the sea was transformed on the night of celebration into a stage illuminated by thousands of colored lights.
-Venice Hotel – Venice on the shores of Beirut
With its unique Italian architecture, the Phenicia Hotel took its guests on a trip to Venice without leaving Beirut. His celebrations were characterized by an elegant European flair, with a sumptuous dinner of Italian and French cuisine, followed by a classical music show and then live jazz music that continued until the early hours of the morning.
-Hotel chain
Also, each of the legendary hotels in Beirut had its own personality and distinct audience. “Le Vendome” with its Parisian luxury, “L’Cazar” with its royal atmosphere, “Excelsior” with its contemporary modernity, “Martinez” with its Spanish touches, “Rodin” with its classic elegance, “Cadmus” with its Phoenician antiquity, “Le Carlton” with its British sophistication, “Palm Beach” with its tropical atmosphere, “Parla”, “Segal”, “Regina” and “Perret”; each of them was a world unto itself, offering… A unique and unforgettable experience.
Nightclubs where the night never sleeps
The “Zaytouna” area was the beating heart of Beirut’s nightlife. Its narrow, stone-paved streets were bustling with life from sunset until sunrise. Here, you could hear music of every kind pouring from the open doors of cabarets and nightclubs.
-“Kit Kat”, the legend of Lebanese cabaret
Kit Kat Club was the most famous nightclub in Beirut, inspired by the famous clubs in Paris and Berlin. It presented luxurious cabaret shows with professional dancers coming from Europe, and live bands playing jazz and swing music. Its tables were booked months in advance, and evening dress was mandatory for entry.
-Mansour, the den of authentic singing
On the other hand, the Mansour nightclub presented authentic Arab singing in its finest form. Here the voices of great Lebanese and Arab singers were heard, and the audience interacted with the music with unparalleled enthusiasm, in an atmosphere of Arab familiarity and authenticity.
-“Les Caves Du Roi”: (The Royal Caves)
With its unique decor that mimics ancient royal caves, this club offered a unique, surreal experience. Its dim lights and romantic music make it a favorite place for couples and lovers looking for a sophisticated, intimate atmosphere.
•Ain Al-Mreisseh and staying up late to the sound of the waves
The Ain El Mreisseh area offered a different kind of nightlife, where the music mixed with the sound of the waves, and the lights sparkled on the water. The amusement parks here were distinguished by their stunning sea views, where nightclubs could watch the moon reflecting on the sea while dancing to the tunes of live music.
“Epi-Club” with its bold, modern décor, “Tabo” with its liberated bohemian atmosphere, “Gardinia” with its hanging gardens decorated with flowers, “Red” with its boldness and fiery colors, with its spacious hall designed especially for dancing, “Peacock” decorated with colorful peacock feathers, “Rotiss” with its luxurious grills and live music, “Blue Up” with its view from the top floor; Each offered a unique and unforgettable experience.
New Year’s Eve in Beirut was more than just celebrations of the arrival of a new year; It was a celebration of life itself, of art, of beauty, and of the spirit of coexistence and openness that characterized the city. In those sparkling nights, Beirut was proving to the world that it was truly the “Paris of the East,” not only with the luxury of its hotels and nightclubs, but also with its unique spirit that combined Arab authenticity and European modernity in an unprecedented combination.