5 Years of Arab Heritage Festival

Arab Heritage Festival

A celebration of Arab history, arts, and community in New Brunswick.

800+

Audience

27

Artists

25

Volunteers

Programs

Organizers and guests gathered in front of the Sponsorship Program screen at the 2026 networking evening
NETWORKING EVENTS

Sponsorship Networking Event

A networking evening bringing together current and prospective partners and sponsors to celebrate the festival’s growth and build future collaborations.

Hosts at the podium in front of the Arab Heritage Festival 2026 screen at the Grand Reveal
NETWORKING EVENTS

The Grand Reveal — Kick-Off

The official launch of the 2026 festival, bringing community members, artists, and partners together to discover the year’s program.

Trays of pastries and drinks set out at Sips & Bites
FOOD TASTING & CULTURE

Sips & Bites — Wedding Traditions

An immersive celebration of Arab wedding traditions through food, drinks, music, dance, henna, and festive décor.

Children at Meshwar holding up cards with their names written in Arabic
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Meshwar — Journey to Arab Culture

A family-friendly cultural journey introducing children to Arab music, calligraphy, language, traditions, and games.

The Tribute to Layla Mourad & Shadya concert announced on screen at the festival launch
MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Tribute to Layla Mourad & Shadya

A special concert by Sounds from Damascus celebrating the music and legacy of two legendary Arab icons.

A guitarist performing on stage under red light
MUSIC & PERFORMANCE

Qasida Flamenca

A unique fusion of classical Arabic poetry, flamenco guitar, and dance inspired by Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean traditions.

A calligraphy brush, ink pots and Arabic lettering on paper
WORKSHOPS & LEARNING

Dancing Letters — Arabic Calligraphy Workshop

A hands-on workshop introducing participants to Arabic calligraphy, traditional tools, and the beauty of Arabic letterforms.

A videographer filming during a festival event
FILM & VISUAL ARTS

The Desert Rocker — Film Screening

A screening celebrating Algerian Gnawa pioneer Hasna El Becharia, followed by discussion and a live Gnawa music performance.

Books and cultural items on display at a festival table
LITERATURE & POETRY

Arab Authors in NB Public Libraries

A province-wide initiative showcasing Arab authors and literature across 35 New Brunswick public libraries throughout April.

Hosts in traditional embroidered dress at a heritage table with Arabic coffee and sweets
FESTIVAL FINALE

Celebrating Our Roots

A closing celebration featuring community reflections, artistic moments, recognition of artists and partners, and a gratitude prayer by Elder Joan Milliea.

Our Journey

2022

Foundation Year

Moncton Public Library collaboration, Quest for Tarab, Tarek Elaissi exhibit.

2022
2023

Growth & Community

NB Public Library Service collaboration, Letters & Melodies, calligraphy events, kids activity.

2023
2024

Expansion Across Cities

NBPLS collaboration, Jazzy Arabia (3 cities), exhibits, workshops, bazaar, Mahmoud Darwish tribute.

2024
2025

Milestones & Firsts

NBPLS collaboration, Fairouz concert, 4 exhibits, Nizar Qabbani tributes, first authors panel, first gala.

2025
2026

A Landmark Year

NBPLS collaboration, Layla Mourad & Shadya tribute, Qasida Flamenca (Frye partnership), first film screening.

2026

Gallery

Arab Heritage Festival Reports

Cover of the Arab Heritage Festival 2026 report
2026

Arab Heritage Festival Report

PDF · 14.5 MB

Cover of the Arab Heritage Festival 2025 report
2025

Arab Heritage Festival Report

PDF · 13.1 MB

Partners

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