Major Events & Festivals in Homs, Syria

1. International Festival of Homs

Annual cultural event showcasing Syrian and international arts, music, and food.

Diverse Artistic Performances: Offers a wide range of performances including theater, dance, and music from various cultures.
Food Stalls: Showcases authentic Syrian cuisine as well as international dishes, providing visitors with a culinary adventure.
Community Engagement: Encourages collaboration between local artists and international artists, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Celebration of the rich history of Homs with reenactments, exhibitions, and cultural activities at Umayyad Castle.

Historical Reenactments: Features live demonstrations of ancient practices, weapons, and costumes to transport visitors back in time.
Art & Craft Exhibitions: Showcases traditional Syrian art and craftsmanship, providing insight into the region's cultural heritage.
Local Performances: Features local musicians and dancers performing traditional Syrian music and dance, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Annual celebration dedicated to the humble pumpkin, featuring contests, food, and entertainment in Khan As'ad.

Pumpkin Contests: Holds competitions for the biggest, smallest, and most creative pumpkins, attracting participants from around the region.
Pumpkin Cuisine: Features delicious dishes made with pumpkin, giving visitors a taste of Syrian culinary creativity.
Family-Friendly Activities: Offers games, rides, and other activities for children, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all ages.

An annual film festival showcasing Syrian and international films, promoting cinematic art in Homs.

Film Screenings: Showcases both feature-length films and short films from various genres and countries.
Workshops & Talks: Offers workshops, talks, and panels with filmmakers, providing opportunities for learning and networking.
Awards Ceremony: Honors exceptional films and filmmakers in various categories, recognizing the best of contemporary cinema.

Nighttime market during the holy month of Ramadan, offering food, goods, and socializing.

Traditional Food Stalls: Serves traditional Syrian dishes that are particularly popular during Ramadan, such as kababs and ma'moul.
Iftar Gatherings: Community gatherings for the breaking of the fast, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
Shopping Opportunities: Features a variety of goods, from clothing to household items, providing an opportunity for shopping during the festive season.

Celebration marking the end of Ramadan, with prayers, family gatherings, and sweet treats.

Community Prayers: Large-scale congregational prayers to express gratitude and devotion.
Familial Gatherings: Families come together for meals, exchanging gifts and well wishes, reinforcing familial bonds.
Traditional Sweets: Featuring traditional Syrian sweets such as baklava, kunafeh, and ma'moul, providing a sweet ending to the holy month.

Annual event celebrating Homs' historic Al-Hosn district with cultural activities, food, and art.

Historical Architecture: Features architectural tours of the old city, showcasing its rich history and heritage.
Artistic Performances: Holds performances of traditional Syrian music, dance, and theater within historic settings.
Local Cuisine: Offers a variety of traditional Syrian dishes, providing visitors with a taste of the region's culinary heritage.

Annual event showcasing books from various countries, promoting literary exchange and education.

Book Exhibitions: Features book exhibitions from a variety of countries, providing opportunities for cross-cultural understanding.
Author Meet & Greets: Offers meet and greet sessions with authors, allowing visitors to engage with their favorite writers.
Workshops & Discussions: Holds workshops, discussions, and lectures on various literary topics, encouraging intellectual growth.

Celebration of the ancient spring Al-Nurain, featuring traditional music, dance, and food.

Spring Blessing Ceremony: Holds a ceremony to bless the water of the spring, believed to have healing properties.
Traditional Music & Dance: Features traditional Syrian music and dance performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Community Gathering: Brings together community members for food, celebration, and socializing.

Annual marathon event attracting runners from around the world, showcasing the city's landscapes.

Various Race Distances: Offers races in various distances including full marathon, half marathon, and 10K.
Scenic Course: Features a scenic course that showcases Homs' landscapes, providing runners with a unique running experience.
Community Support: Provides strong community support and encouragement for all participants.

Annual chess tournament showcasing local and international talent, promoting the game of chess.

International Participation: Attracts participants from around the world, fostering cross-cultural understanding through the shared love of chess.
Expert Analysis & Commentary: Provides expert analysis and commentary on the games, helping spectators understand the strategies being employed.
Prizes & Awards: Awards prizes to winners in various categories, encouraging healthy competition among players.

Annual music competition showcasing local and international talent, promoting the arts.

Various Musical Categories: Offers competitions in various musical categories including classical, contemporary, and traditional.
Expert Judges: Features expert judges who provide constructive feedback and help participants improve their skills.
Prizes & Opportunities: Awards prizes to winners in various categories, and provides opportunities for further professional development.

Annual photography festival showcasing local and international photographers, promoting visual art.

Various Themes & Styles: Offers exhibitions on a variety of themes and styles, appealing to diverse tastes.
Photography Workshops: Holds photography workshops led by professional photographers, providing opportunities for learning and growth.
Awards & Recognition: Awards prizes to exceptional photographers in various categories, encouraging artistic excellence.

Annual festival celebrating youth culture and creativity, promoting intergenerational exchange.

Youth-Led Activities: Features activities led by young people, giving them a platform to showcase their talents.
Cross-Cultural Exchange: Provides opportunities for youth from different countries to connect and collaborate, fostering global understanding.
Skill Development Workshops: Offers workshops in various skills including music, art, and technology, empowering young people.

Annual conference focusing on women's issues, promoting gender equality and empowerment.

Keynote Speakers: Features keynote speakers who are influential women in various fields, inspiring attendees.
Workshops & Discussions: Holds workshops and discussions on topics relevant to women, such as career development, entrepreneurship, and health.
Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for attendees to network with other successful women, fostering connections and collaboration.