Photos by Yaseen Najeeb
A team of event coordinators, committees, art and writing judges, sponsors, vendors, volunteers and MWC staff made Celebrating Palestine possible and memorable.
In its second year, Celebrating Palestine 2026 expanded to accommodate almost 1500 attendees at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee. Festival goers had multiple floors to explore cultural exhibits, a sizable vendor souq, a nonstop entertainment stage, food concessions and a children’s craft area.
Janan Najeeb, MWC founder and executive director, envisioned a cultural festival to express, honor and preserve Palestinian identity. In a press release, she wrote, “Celebrating Palestine is an opportunity to honor a vibrant and rich culture, share powerful stories, and build bridges of understanding within our diverse community.
“At a time when many people are seeking connection and greater understanding, this event offers a welcoming space to learn, celebrate, and stand together in our shared humanity.”
Opening the event, the Palestine Youth Movement Ensemble set the tone for the festival performing “Mawtini” (my homeland) written by Palestinian poet Ibrahim Tuqan. When the singer, keyboard, violin, oud and cello played the unofficial anthem of collective longing for freedom and the shared experiences of Arab peoples, the room stood up in honor of the moment.
Palestinian Youth Movement Ensemble
Local women’s dabke group Banat Al Huryia invited everyone to join in the dance including special guest Willow Newell, Miss Wisconsin 2025.
Other dabke included Chicago’s Al Horiyah and Mohammed Darawshah’s folkloric dance.
Two events showcased handmade embroidered thobes representing 26 Palestinian cities and towns worn by volunteer models.
Banat Al Huriya Women’s Dabke from Milwaukee
Spoken word poets Basma Sarsour, Ali Hamadeh and Sawsan Rizeq shared their powerful messages in verse.
Youth art and writing contest winners walked the runway holding their art pieces and framed essays as each age category was announced.
Appearing several times in the schedule, Palestinian singer Mahmoud Samhan & Band closed the festival with a grand finale performance.
Celebrating Palestine reflected the commitment and collaboration of more than 70 volunteers, subcommittee members, generous sponsors and MWC staff.
Basema Sarsour, spoken word poetry
Willow Newell, Miss Wisconsin 2025 poses with a family at Celebrating Palestine.
Mohammed Darawshah dabke and folkloric dance artist
Palestinian thobe presentation with background music by Palestinian Youth Movement Ensemble
As their names were announced, youth art and writing contest winners proudly crossed the stage holding their artwork and framed essays.
Al Horiyah Dabke and Drum men’s group from Chicago
Mahmoud Samhan Band performed several times, closing the event with a grand finale.
Celebrating Palestine had 27 unique vendors
Sawsan Rizeq, spoken word poetry
Ali Hamadeh, spoken word poetry
