The second Qena International Festival for Arts and Folk Handicrafts is set to begin today, Thursday, and will run until November 8. The festival is being held at the Qena Culture Palace under the leadership of art critic Hitham Al-Hawari. This year's event promises a diverse cultural and artistic program, including handicraft exhibits, performances by Egyptian and Arab folk art troupes, and international participation from Palestine, Sudan, and Tunisia.
The festival is being organized by the "S" Foundation for Culture and Creativity, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, South Valley University, the Academy of Arts, and several national and cultural institutions. The event aims to preserve Egyptian and Arab heritage and promote the presence of folk arts and traditional handicrafts among new generations. The festival's program includes a variety of activities, such as handicraft exhibits, cultural publications, and performances by local and international art troupes.
The festival's artistic program features a range of performances, including those by Qena's folk art and Arabic music troupe, Al-Aqseer folk art troupe, and independent folk troupes from the region, such as Corral "Ana Al-Masri" and "Hawa Al-Sharq for Eastern Music". The event also welcomes international participation from Palestine's Al-Falouja folk art troupe, Sudan's Snabla review art troupe, and Tunisia.
A significant aspect of the festival is its focus on folk storytelling and heritage. The event features live performances of traditional Arabic stories, including "Al-Hakawati" with Palestinian participation and the famous Tunisian "Khurafli". These performances aim to highlight the richness of human cultural heritage and reconnect audiences with their roots.
The festival's activities are spread across several key locations in Qena Governorate, ensuring that the events reach a wide audience. These locations include the Qena Culture Palace, South Valley University's theater, "Ana Al-Masri" hall at the Commercial Syndicate and Engineers' Club, and youth centers in various villages and neighborhoods, such as Jargus and Al-Twairat.
According to Bakri Abdel Hamid, festival director, the event features a range of handicraft exhibits, cultural publications, and performances by local and international art troupes. The festival aims to promote the work of local artisans and provide a platform for them to showcase their skills.
The Qena International Festival for Arts and Folk Handicrafts has become an important cultural event in Egypt, celebrating the country's rich heritage and promoting its preservation for future generations. The festival's second edition promises to be an exciting and enriching experience for audiences, with a diverse program of activities and performances that showcase the best of Egyptian and Arab culture.
Key points
- The festival features a range of handicraft exhibits and performances by local and international art troupes.
- The event aims to preserve Egyptian and Arab heritage and promote the presence of folk arts and traditional handicrafts among new generations.
- The festival's activities are spread across several key locations in Qena Governorate.
