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The 15th edition of the "Wein a Ramallah" festival has opened in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, bringing Palestinian music and cultural events back to the city after a two-year suspension linked to Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip.
Organized by Ramallah Municipality, the festival is running from Aug. 10 through Aug. 14 at Rashid Al-Haddadin Square, opposite the municipality building, with events beginning each evening at 8:00 p.m.
This year's edition is being held under the theme "Baqoon," meaning "We Remain," with the municipality presenting the festival as an effort to preserve Palestinian cultural identity, collective memory and artistic continuity.
Palestinians attending the opening night gathered for artistic and musical performances featuring Palestinian singers and groups.
The municipality said the festival had not been held for two years because of Israel's attacks, particularly in Gaza, which it described as part of a wider assault affecting people, culture, the environment and the foundations of everyday life.
Against that backdrop, organizers said the return of the festival was intended to underline the continuity and development of Palestinian culture during a period in which Palestinians are facing what the municipality described as a war against their existence.
"Culture is not merely a luxury practiced in times of stability, but rather an act of resistance, permanence and preservation of collective memory against attempts at erasure and destruction," the municipality said.
The "Baqoon" theme also reflects the municipality's stated aim of protecting, developing, and passing on Palestinian identity to future generations.
Since the festival was first launched in 2010, organizers have sought to bring together Palestinian artists and groups from both within the Palestinian territories and communities abroad.
The municipality said this mission remains at the heart of the festival as it returns to Ramallah for its 15th edition following the two-year interruption.
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