Atlanta Celebrates Arab American Heritage Month

Arab Cultural Day features music, storytelling, and educational workshops for all ages.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 4:00pm

A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of an iconic Arab cultural symbol, such as Arabic calligraphy or a traditional object, rendered in a bold, neon color palette with heavy black outlines, capturing the energy and diversity of Arab American heritage.A vibrant celebration of Arab culture and heritage through the lens of modern pop art.Atlanta Today

On Saturday, April 18, the city of Atlanta is hosting a vibrant Arab Cultural Day event to celebrate Arab American Heritage Month. The daylong festival will feature a variety of cultural experiences, including shadow puppetry presentations, Arabic storytime and crafts for children, a workshop on the Arabic alphabet as an art form, and a lecture on the history of the Arabic language.

Why it matters

This event provides an opportunity for the local community to learn about and engage with Arab cultures, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the diversity of Atlanta's population. By highlighting the arts, traditions, and history of the Arab world, the festival aims to promote cross-cultural exchange and celebrate the contributions of Arab Americans.

The details

The Arab Cultural Day event will take place from 12 PM to 5 PM and will feature several educational and interactive programs. Highlights include a shadow puppetry presentation and workshop led by Dr. Nabeel Bahjat, an Arabic storytime and craft session for children with Lara Karam Dempsey, a kids' art workshop on the Arabic alphabet with Ghenwa Souki, and a lecture on the history of the Arabic language by Abderrazzak Charaka.

  • Arab Cultural Day will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The event will run from 12 PM to 5 PM.

The players

Dr. Nabeel Bahjat

A presenter and workshop leader who will explore the art of shadow puppetry and its connections to Arab culture.

Lara Karam Dempsey

An educator who will lead an Arabic storytime and craft session for children.

Ghenwa Souki

An artist who will facilitate a workshop on the Arabic alphabet as an art form.

Abderrazzak Charaka

A scholar who will present a lecture on the history and evolution of the Arabic language.

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What they’re saying

“Shadow puppetry is a centuries-old art form that allows us to explore the rich storytelling traditions of the Arab world.”

— Dr. Nabeel Bahjat, Shadow Puppetry Presenter

“Introducing children to the beauty of the Arabic language through interactive stories and crafts is a wonderful way to celebrate our cultural heritage.”

— Lara Karam Dempsey, Arabic Storytime Educator

The takeaway

Arab Cultural Day in Atlanta provides a valuable opportunity for the community to engage with and learn about the diverse cultures, arts, and traditions of the Arab world, fostering greater understanding and appreciation for the contributions of Arab Americans.