Kitchener-Waterloo festival celebrates Palestinian culture

The fourth annual KW Palestinian Day Festival returned to Carl Zehr Square in Kitchener on Saturday.

The fourth annual KW Palestinian Day Festival returned to Carl Zehr Square in Kitchener on Sunday.

The event was a collaboration between SPORAS, a Waterloo Region-based organization that celebrates the culture and people of Palestine, and the Palestinian Youth Movement, a group supporting ‘a liberated Palestine for all.’

The festival saw over 4,000 attendees last year. Shatha Mahmoud, the organizer of the Palestinian Youth Movement said they’re expecting a turnout of 7,000 this year. The goal is to share the history and culture of Palestine.

“Our purpose today is to communicate what’s been happening on the ground in Gaza, but to also educate on the rest of Palestine and connect with the past and community, mourn with them, commemorate and recommit ourselves to the struggle for liberation,” she said.

The festival had multiple vendors with different food, clothes, exhibits and crafts for everyone to see.

Attendees were also able to enjoy live music, including a drum circle and other interactive activities.

The street in front of the square was lined with Palestinian flags, history and displays discussing the ongoing conflict with Israel.

Volunteers like Khadija Humera and Abdul Kareem Khazi said getting involved with the festival was meaningful to them.

“Especially during this time, it’s important to gather as a community and show solidarity,” said “I think that the best way to show solidarity is to show how many people are in on this and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Khazi, a grade 9 student, said it was the perfect opportunity to show support and get volunteer hours for school.

“It’s a good first experience and the community here is also very good. I would just rather be here,” he said.

Faaez Al-hendi, a vendor and sponsor at the festival, said the event is one everyone should attend, learn from and enjoy.

“The Palestinian cause is a deep and personal one but just for regular Canadians that might be out here today, it’s a little bit about understanding that we’re all equal at the end of the day. We’re all the same. Every life matters, whether it’s here or in Palestine.”