A video showing a celebratory gathering inside Lebanon’s iconic Jeita Grotto has stirred controversy after it went viral online, prompting public outrage and official intervention.

The clip showed scenes from what it described as a private evening held inside the world-famous cave, criticizing the event for allegedly violating two core preservation standards: sound and noise limits. The footage quickly spread on social media, where users split between those condemning Jeita Municipality for authorizing the gathering and others defending the idea as a creative way to highlight and fund the grotto’s maintenance.

Jeita Grotto, located about 18 kilometers north of Beirut, is one of Lebanon’s most treasured natural landmarks and a major tourist attraction. The vast network of limestone caves extends nearly nine kilometers underground (accessible sections are shorter) and features striking rock formations, underground rivers, and caverns that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It has long been considered a national symbol and was shortlisted as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011.

Jeita Municipality head Walid Baroud dismissed the uproar in an interview with Al-Anbaa, clarifying that “what took place was not a wedding party but a short pre-wedding gathering of around 120 people that lasted only 30 minutes, with no food or drink served.”

He said the entire event took place under municipal supervision, noting that “all sound and lighting systems complied with environmental and safety standards.

"Nothing caused any harm or damage to the grotto," he assured. 

Baroud noted that “caves around the world host concerts and artistic events," adding that "what happened here is not the end of the world.”

He also revealed that, with approval from the Ministry of Tourism, the Jeita Municipality had been preparing to host two Christmas concerts featuring Sister Marana Saad under the patronage of Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi, each attended by about 250 people and accompanied by a 30-member choir.

According to Baroud, Jeita Grotto had been neglected for years, and the municipality’s efforts aimed to “revive the site and secure funds for interior restoration.” He said discussions were already underway with Tourism Minister Laura al-Khazen Lahoud to organize cultural events whose proceeds would go toward rehabilitation and maintenance. Even before the recent uproar, he noted, a collaboration was being prepared with the American University of Beirut’s Department of Archaeology to raise donations for restoration “in full compliance with international preservation standards.”

While Baroud’s explanations convinced some, others criticized the municipality for exposing the UNESCO-listed landmark to unnecessary controversy.

Following the backlash, the Ministry of Tourism announced that it would issue a formal warning letter to Jeita Municipality, outlining the violations and urging full compliance with both contractual and ethical obligations tied to the site’s management. The ministry clarified that Jeita Municipality currently manages the site under a temporary agreement allowing it to operate and maintain the grotto after its reopening last summer, until a transparent public bidding process selects a permanent operator.

According to the ministry, Mayor Baroud had verbally informed Minister Lahoud about the idea of hosting an event inside the grotto but had not submitted a written request detailing the nature of the activity. The ministry emphasized that any such event requires official approval based on safety, financial, cultural, and administrative criteria, as well as coordination with the Lebanese Caving Club (Spéléo Club du Liban), as stipulated by contract.

Despite these conditions, the municipality went ahead with the event without formal authorization, without sharing financial details, and without consulting the required scientific partners.

The ministry said it would therefore issue a written warning and reminded all public bodies of Cabinet Circular No. 36/2025, which strictly prohibits the use of public, historical, or national landmarks for private events without prior authorization.

While acknowledging the municipality’s success in reopening and operating the grotto since July, generating record summer revenues, the ministry stressed that prior written approval is mandatory for any event with commercial or promotional intent.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to overseeing Jeita Grotto’s management “to prevent any harm to this national treasure” and said it intends to finalize the public tender for long-term operation before the end of the year.

#JeitaGrotto, the “eighth wonder of the world” and overseen by the Ministry of Tourism, was transformed into a venue for the pre-wedding celebration of Sara Chammas and Alexander Widmann. Organized by Robert Hykl, the celebration featured entertainment by “8eArt.” Guests sang,… pic.twitter.com/umtNZB6MXX

— Megaphone News English (@MegaphoneNewsEN) November 3, 2025