Sometimes, images just aren’t enough.
There are moments that deserve to be told with words—only then can the emotions behind them truly come to life.
One of those moments was the “Climbing Space Festival in Lebanon”, a one-of-a-kind event that brought together climbers from across the Middle East among the breathtaking mountains of Tannourine.

 

Climbing in Tannourine: a paradise of rock and color
Tannourine is a dream come true for climbing lovers.
Its cliffs are surreal: tufa pillars, solid limestone, and rock shades ranging from soft pink to deep black, with flashes of orange in between.
Each route carved into these walls is a shot of raw emotion, set in a natural landscape that quite literally takes your breath away.

 

The Climbing Space Festival: a meeting of cultures and communities
Climbers from Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Yemen, and other Middle Eastern countries gathered for the festival.
But what truly made the event special was the *coming together* of different communities, all united by a shared passion.

 

On the wall, language and culture fade away. The conversation shifts to the silent language of climbing—a dialogue made of movement, of eye contact, of mutual trust.

 

Climbing as a tool for peace
Once again, climbing proved to be much more than just a sport. It’s a universal language, capable of building bridges where walls usually stand. Sharing a rope, exchanging a smile mid-route—these small gestures are powerful enough to overcome cultural, political, and social divides.

 

Resoling as a symbol of connection
During the festival, I had the honor of working alongsideAbdo and Jaad, founders of “Climberspace”, a climbing shoe resoling workshop and the heart behind this event.

It’s a simple craft, yet deeply symbolic: giving new life to climbing shoes feels like building invisible bridges between people.
To repair, to reconnect, to strengthen—what happens to a pair of shoes is a perfect metaphor for what happens between people when they are guided by shared passion.

 

An unforgettable experience
Those were intense days: chalk-covered hands, neoprene glue on our fingertips, harnesses tight around our waists, and shoes worn thin from use.
But above all, they were days of genuine connection, born from climbing and from the will to share—beyond all borders.

 

A heartfelt thank you to all the participants, to the organizers, and to everyone who believes climbing is a way to build community.

 

And a special thanks to Edoardo Bochio Vega and Davide Gippaz, who shared this incredible journey with me.

 

Looking ahead, the journey doesn’t stop here.
With Guma Factory, the mission remains the same: Not just Feel the Grip, but above all, Change the World.