1. Drink water from a Lebanese carafe (Bri2)

 This traditional carafe usually made of pottery or glass was a must-have in every household, and filled with fresh water from the source. Drinking consisted in placing it at a certain height, without touching your lips while swallowing at the same time. This practice amazes foreigners visiting Lebanon, where we always tend to let them try it to see water spilling all over their face. But nowadays, this historic Lebanese element can be found as an ornament in restaurants but rarely in houses, giving place to bottled water and dispensers.

2. Play Tawlé

It’s simply referred to as “Tawlé” which means a table in Lebanese, but when someone asks you if you would like to play Tawlé, don’t get confused with the furniture as they only meant the game. The dice game can last for hours, filled with pleasure, teasing and sore feelings between intermittent players. The most popular games in Lebanon are Frangieh (backgammon), Ma7bouseh (Tapa), and 31 (Narde). Its popularity increased among the youth, especially in shisha places and cafes, along with inter-family competition at home.

3. Dance the Dabké

 Surely you will not be faced with such challenge in a nightclub, as the traditional Lebanese dance is not considered trendy among the new generation. What used to be the main dance for Lebanese in the 50’s and 60’s is now mostly practiced as a folklore entertainment in weddings and events. But the hand-in-hand foot banging dance remains an evocative group activity for Lebanese abroad.

4. Enjoy Fairouz songs

Her songs are simply classy. The Lebanese diva was, is, and will remain an icon of the Lebanese musical industry. Listening to her music generates some sort of nostalgia and belonging, whether in the morning, while driving your car, or in a café.

5. Have a Sunday family gathering

This became like a ritual for family members to meet around a copious table of Lebanese mezzé, Arak and some barbecue. Usually, it starts with every individual preparing a dish, and debates revolve around food and politics; to end with people sleeping in every corner of the house.