Throughout the 1950s and 1960s the Sister parishes of St. Ann, St. George and St. Anthony held their annual Labor Day weekend “Mahrajan” (Festival) in Newtown, CT.  The Mahrajan is remembered with fondness by local residents of all ethnic backgrounds who joined thousands of people throughout the region to socialize and celebrate the Lebanese and Syrian ethnic heritage with three days of food, music & dancing.  While the Labor Day Mahrajan ended in late 1960s, St. George parish later took the mantel with its own festival on Main Street and then at St. George Church grounds.  However, when that ended in the 1990s the community was left with a void until St. Anthony parish held its first Mahrajan in 2004.  This Mahrajan has grown over the years bringing together Lebanese and non-Lebanese alike to enjoy traditional Lebanese foods, music and dancing.

 As with many ethic groups, the decedents of the original Lebanese and Syrian immigrants began losing the Arabic language and some of their ethic identity.  However, in the late 1970s and 1980s a new wave of Lebanese immigrants arrived in America and Danbury.  These immigrants were fleeing the violence of the Lebanese Civil War which ravaged Lebanon, the one time “jewel” and tourism hotspot of the Middle East, from 1975- 1990.  Their arrival in the region helped spark a revival of ethic traditions among many in the Lebanese community.  New shops and restaurants with Lebanese goods and cuisine opened and a new wave of Lebanese festivals, dinners and ethic events sprang up throughout Danbury and Western Connecticut.  

 As part of this revival, in 2003 the Lebanon American Club held the first annual “Lebanon American Day” celebration at Danbury City Hall.  While only about thirty people attended the first Lebanon Day more than 200 people attended Lebanon Day last year.  Among those honored at Lebanon Day over the years have been teachers, government officials, and more than seventy military veterans of Lebanese and Syrian decent.  In 2009 the Lebanon American Club established the Heritage Monument committee, which included representatives from St. Anthony, St. Ann and St. George parishes, to pay tribute to their immigrant ancestors.   As part of the 2010 Lebanon Day celebration, the Committee unveiled the “Lebanese Heritage Monument” in front of Danbury City Hall.

 While no official census exists there is no doubt that thousands of Americans of Lebanese and Syrian decent live in greater Danbury with large Lebanese communities in cities like Waterbury, Waterford, Bridgeport, and Bristol.  Those Lebanese and Syrian immigrants who fled war, poverty and oppression would be proud of their descendants who have achieved so much.  However, no matter their achievements these descendants honor the hard work and sacrifice of their parents, Sittos and Jiddos through their own hard work and patriotism as Americans and by remembering and celebrating their ethnic heritage with pride.

 We hope you enjoyed this introductory series. We ask for your contributions of ideas, articles, and material for future publications by contacting us via email at: LCNdanbury@aol.com.