The Tabbouleh is the most famous Lebanese traditional dish, adulated by all the inhabitants of Lebanon, and adopted by number of gastronomes in the world. It’s a dish that unites, in a country torn by wars and tensions; a symbolic dish by the diversity of its ingredients: Like the Lebanese nation, its delicate harmony is threatened anytime that one of its components is separated or even neglected.

During this day, Lebanese and their friends everywhere in the world meet in private or in public around this relational dish.

This artistic, cultural, gastronomic and touristy feast presents them an opportunity to show and to reinforce their attachment to the peace in the world, and in Lebanon in particular.

In 2001, the Lebanese visual artist Ricardo Mbarkho has decided unilaterally that a new celebration would be the National Tabbouleh Day.

On Wednesday April 4, 2001, he sends from France an email to Allam Sleiman (computer programmer, Lebanese, in Lebanon) telling him about the idea of initiating a National Tabbouleh Day where the Lebanese and their friends will celebrate a common identification that links them together: the Tabbouleh.

Two days later, on Friday April 6, 2001, during a chat session on the Internet between Ricardo and Allam, they wrote the first communiqué fixing this new celebration for every first Saturday of the month of July. Right after, about 20000 Lebanese were informed by email and are invited to transfer the message everywhere to the world... It is the snowball that starts!

The Lebanese and foreign press mobilizes with articles announcing the news. The Biennial of Paris presents the editions of the National Tabbouleh Day from 2006 to 2011. The Lebanese Ministry of Tourism officially gives its approval and its patronage for this new Day. Private and public gathering took place in Lebanon and abroad!

The National Tabbouleh Day is henceforth a giant celebration for the whole humanity, and particularly for the Lebanese!

“Each house taking part in this national day transforms into a museum promoting the Celebration Art”, says Ricardo Mbarkho.