Two large busloads of Palestinian and Syrian refugee children descended on the Biel district of Beirut for a pre-Marathon celebration on Friday.

The celebration began with a stimulating art activity, facilitated by the Beirut-based “I Leaf Art” organization.

The children painted and drew with skill, producing an array of creative pictures.

Following this activity, one group of younger children and another group in their teens showed off their dance moves, in performances of traditional dabke dances.

The groups had been rehearsing for this day for weeks and their practice certainly paid off, as their performances were stunning.

The energy and charisma of these dancers was truly inspiring. It was a spectacular night all around.