If laughter were currency, Coral would have made a fortune on December 4, 2024. The St. Barbara Day celebration at D-Beirut was a comedic extravaganza, a showcase of costume brilliance and an epic reminder that Coral’s team knows how to turn up the creativity dial – and then break it.
From swashbuckling pirates to the existential dread of shredding paper, no idea was too wild and no punchline too daring. The event was more than just a celebration of Barbara; it was a living, breathing parade of Coral’s spirit and humor.
The competition was the stuff of legends, with participants donning outfits that could only be described as Barbara Gone Wild. With three creative themes to choose from – department-inspired, socially responsible, or purely for fun – competitors unleashed their inner costume designers and went all out.
Take, for example, the “Job Interview” costume. Complete with a “Job Offer” basket, a series of interview questions and the expression of someone trapped in an endless loop of the “What’s your greatest weakness” question, this entry was a corporate satire that struck a chord with everyone.
Then there was the walking resume, a handful of staff who together comprised a “Supply Chain,” and the bold “Non-Recyclable” costume. A head-to-toe jumble of materials that screamed “planetary crisis,” it served as both a hilarious and hard-hitting reminder of the importance of sustainability.
And let’s not overlook the magnificently absurd “Mister Shredding.” This costume didn’t just depict shredding paper – it was shredding paper. With cascading streams of shredded documents as a literal appendage, it embodied the chaos of office life with artistic flair. A performance piece? A cry for help? Perhaps both.
The Stage Was Set… Literally
At 3:00 p.m. sharp, the contestants faced off in front of a panel of judges. The bar area of D-Beirut transformed into a theater of hilarity as each participant presented their masterpiece.
The “Pirate,” with her trusty pirate hat and smartphone (because even pirates need Wi-Fi), swaggered onto the stage, stealing hearts faster than treasure. Meanwhile, “Job Interview” delivered a side-splitting monologue riddled with awkward pauses and “Um, can you repeat the question?” moments.
The costumes went beyond outfits – they were performances. Each one reflected Coral’s values, blending humor with purpose. From sustainability to shared laughter, every contestant brought a unique angle to the celebration.
Barbara Beyond the Spotlight
While the contestants dazzled the judges, other attendees joined in the fun, donning everything from quirky hats to flamboyant wigs. The bar area was transformed into a kaleidoscope of color and creativity, with colleagues snapping selfies and sharing laughs.
And the Winners Are…
After much deliberation (and plenty of laughter), the judges awarded prizes to the most outstanding costumes. But in truth, every participant walked away a winner – whether with a trophy or the admiration of their peers. Beyond the laughter and costumes, Barbara at Coral is a celebration of the company’s culture – a reminder that work can be a place of joy creativity and connection. As the evening wrapped up, one thing was clear: at Coral, even a simple celebration can turn into an extraordinary experience.
