ALGERIA-INTERNATIONAL DANCE International folk dancers promote cultural exchange at Algeria street festival

Record ID: 144565

  • Title: ALGERIA-INTERNATIONAL DANCE International folk dancers promote cultural exchange at Algeria street festival
  • Date: 10th August 2015
  • Summary: PALESTINIAN DANCERS PERFORMING TRADITIONAL DABKE DANCE
  • Embargoed: 25th August 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Algeria
  • Country: Algeria
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA34FCD60HTKFWC0LZOMXQQ5YVH
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The International cultural festival of folk dance is in full swing in the province of Sidi Bel Abbes in western Algeria, featuring vibrant and traditional dances from around the world.
    Dressed in colourful costumes, dancers from 16 countries kicked off the festival on Saturday (August 8), dancing and singing in the streets showcasing their country's traditions.
    The six-day festival, now in its 11th edition, is running under the slogan 'culture and memories' to promote cultural exchange among different nations.
    Dancers from Algeria, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, China, Russia, India, and the Palestinian territories are participating in this year's dance extravaganza.
    Some performers used the event to spotlight their political views on recent issues.
    "Our participation is aimed at promoting our Palestinian culture all over the world, and the reason why I am carrying this picture is because it is the picture of the martyr toddler, Ali Dawabshe, who was recently burned to death, and today his father died. The world must know that Israel is doing what Hitler has done to them," said dancer from the Palestinian Territories, Salem Al Masry holding a placard with the picture of a toddler killed in an arson attack in the West Bank village of Duma on July 31.
    The toddler's father died on Saturday (August 9) of wounds sustained in the fire. Saturday of wounds sustained in the fire. Suspected Jewish attackers torched the home of Saad Dawabsheh in the West Bank village, killing his 18-month-old child and seriously injuring his wife and a second son, an act that Israel's prime minister described as terrorism.
    On the streets of Sidi Bel Abbes dancers entertained the onlookers with their vibrant beats and energetic dance moves.
    "We hope to present something from Syria in this festival, from our great Syrian and cultural folklore, and to draw a smile on the faces of the people of Algeria through performing a show by Ajyal dance group," said Bassel Hamdan, from Syria's Ajyal dance troupe.
    "We are happy to see the large crowds here today, and we are happy to perform here in Algeria because they are our people. All the Arab people are one, and we all like to encourage Arab culture," said Hussein Muhamed, from Egypt's Sharqeya troupe for popular dance.
    Those attending the event said they enjoyed the fusion of cultures from across the world.
    "We are watching dance shows by Arab as well as European and American countries. We learn about their cultures, because we don't know much about them, so we exchange cultures through this festival," said Algerian woman Malika.
    The festival runs until the 13th of August.
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