Tartous city bustles with summer festivals, artistic and sport activities

Tartous Summer Festival 2014 kicked off Thursday on the beach of al-Sheraa Touristic Complex in the city.
A plastic art exhibition marked the opening of the festival, which was organized by “In the Name of the Homeland” Group, showcasing a richly diverse collection of oil, ink and acrylic paintings and photos as well as other art items such as wood and stone carvings, silver and wood sculptures.
The art pieces were created by nine artists and sculptures.
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Director of the organizing group Mohammed Issa told SANA reporter that the festival affirms “the Syrians’ great will and rejection to bow to the difficult circumstances” taking place in the country under the internationally-devised terrorist war raging since 2011.
“Our major aim,” he added, “is to contribute to activating the tourism and sports activities in the province as well as bringing people closer together.”
In turn, Director of al-Sheraa Touristic Complex Ali Kheir Beik said that the festival conveys “a message of peace and the unity binding the Syrian people” who come from all provinces to participate in this activity and “defy whoever tries to kill the will of life in Syria.”
He pointed out to that the tourism movement has started booming once again, “which reflects the improvement of the security situation in the country."
Rasha Adnan, a plastic artist, expressed enthusiasm for her “new and special experience,” indicating that she is participating in the exhibition with four paintings of different themes varying between martyrdom, childhood and love.
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Depicting the charming nature of Tartous province in his six paintings using acrylic and oil colors, Mohammed Hammoud explained that he attempted to put the beauty of the Syrian coast in the spotlight.
The 3-day festival, which will include musical parties, and water and beach
games, in addition to open air screenings of movies, coincides with the 6th edition of Phoenix Theatre Festival which kicked off last Tuesday on the corniche in city and will see the performing of a variety of theatre shows.