On July 12th and 13th in the heart of D.C., the Museum of the Palestinian People will host a two-day event dedicated to educating and uplifting the voices and stories of the Palestinian people. As people from around the world take to the streets for Palestine, the Museum of the Palestinian People seeks to provide a space that renews our connection to each other and educates the public about who we are.
Even as attempts to erase our art, culture, and people continue, we invite you to join us for two days of solidarity in sharing the art of Palestinian resistance and الصمود (Samud, steadfastness). On Friday night, Palestinian voices take center stage as we amplify Palestinian art and heritage that has been passed down for generations. We’ll start the night with Bshara Nassar, the founder and director of the Museum of the Palestinian People, then reflect on the ongoing struggle for liberation through the prose and poems of Zeina Azzam and Mohammed Arafat. Malikat Al Dabka will then tell the story of the tradition and steps of Dabka before Ahmad Damen weaves together the tales of the Palestinian songs he performs with his musical talents.
Friday schedule:
5 pm — Doors are open for check-in, and guests are invited to enjoy dinner
6 pm — Opening remarks Museum Founder and Director Bshara Nassar
6:15 pm — Readings by poets Zeina Azzam, Mohammed Arafat and Lenna Jawdat
7 pm — Dabke Performance by Malikat Al Dabke
8 pm — Musical Performance
9 pm — Event Concludes for the Evening
Saturday schedule:
11 am — Festival Opens
Throughout the day at the tables:
First Floor — On Display: Art from Palestine and the Diaspora Community Art Project Kite Painting Table / Section Traditional Palestinian Crafts Showcase Henna Tattooing
Second Floor — Reading Nook Live Readings from Hannah Moushabeck Interlink Publishing Table, oldest Palestinian-owned publisher in the US. Middle Eastern Book Store Table
Third Floor — Food by: Chef Marcelle G Afram (Shababi) Chef Jinan Deena (Bayti- Palestinian Hospitality Culinary Experience) Cosby Hall Event Schedule
12 pm — Dabke Student performance
12:30 pm — Dabke Lessons
1 pm — Dabke Performance by Faris El-Layl Dabke
2:30 pm — Poetry Performances
3 pm — Music Performance by Fuad Foty
5pm — Festival Closes