Flag of Sudan, satin fabric, 3D rendering (Getty Images)
(KRON) – The inaugural Sudan Culture Fest has been announced for Saturday in Hayward, according to the Sudanese Association For Northern California (SANC).
Sudan is a country in northeast Africa with more than 500 ethnicities and languages. According to the World Population Survey, which cites data from the United Nations and the US Census, more than 4,000 Sudanese call California home. The town of Hayward is the home of the SANC.
According to the organization, participants of the Sudan Cultural Fest will be able to “experience Sudan”. The organization said there will be live music, including a performance by Sundanese artist Salma El Assal. The festival will also include poetry and dance performances.
The festival will have educational stages representing the different regions of Sudan through exhibitions of handicrafts, art, clothing, instruments and history. SANC also states that visitors can participate in activities and traditional games.
Festival goers have the opportunity to watch live cooking demonstrations and eat rich culturally traditional savory and sweet foods and drinks. Z Zoul Cafe, which bills itself as the only Sudanese cuisine in the Bay Area, will be at the festival.
On April 15, 2023, a war began in Sudan between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. More than 14,000 people have been killed and 8 million people have been displaced, according to NPR.
SANC President Harith Elrufaie spoke about the importance of the festival, “Our aim is to share what exists in Sudan, to share what exists beyond war. Share the beauty and all the great history.”
The festival will be from noon to 7pm on Saturday, May 25, on Main Street between B and C Streets.