The story began in the First World War when two people immigrated from El Mina, Tripoli to Brazil and returned with this carnival. They modified it to coincide with the last day before fasting for the Christians that follow the eastern calendar. Festival participants, roam the streets, celebrate and collect donations.

Because it is El Mina, the most coexistent on this geographical spot, the custom of one sect is shared by all sects.

We headed to El Mina, where the joy of the children is obvious on their faces even from under the drawings, and this year a love greeting to the steadfast Ukraine in the face of tyranny.

The Zambo is an annual custom, where El Mina’s people participate either in the carnival, or by providing donations from their balconies and windows. They are those close to the sea and history.

The Zambo Festival takes place on the last day before fasting for the sects that follow the eastern calendar. The festival will be held this year too despite the catastrophic situation, because Lebanese love life.