Join Us For Southwest Asian and North African Heritage Month

Each April, SWANA Heritage Month highlights the cultures, histories and lived experiences of people whose roots trace to Southwest Asia and North Africa. Spanning a vast region—from the eastern Mediterranean and Anatolia to the Arabian Peninsula and across North Africa—SWANA communities represent a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, identities and beliefs. 

SWANA Heritage Month is a chance to explore the many stories that emerge from this dynamic region and the communities who carry these traditions forward. San Mateo County Libraries invites patrons to engage with SWANA cultures through books, programs and community connections. Whether you’re encountering these stories for the first time or reconnecting with your own heritage, SWANA Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, knowledge and vibrant cultural traditions that continue to enrich our communities.  

Arabic Calligraphy 

Join calligrapher Zubair Simab as he guides you through the history, cultural significance and the Art of Arabic Calligraphy. In this workshop, open to adults of all ages and skill levels, you'll learn how to make a qalam (bamboo) pen and be provided with calligraphy kits for you to practice and learn the basic strokes to write words and phrases. 

Egyptian Dance 

Dance Along the Nile invites children to discover the rich diversity of Egyptian culture through the folk dances of the people who live along the Nile River. Spirited dancers from Qabila Dance Company will present lively folk dances from different regions of Egypt. Each region will include a short introduction to the people, what the area is known for and the folk or social dance connected to it—making history, geography and culture come alive through movement and music! Social dances will also have the opportunity for audience participation.  

Palestinian Embroidery 

Discover the art of Palestinian embroidery with Amanne Sharif from Min Amanne Tatreez Designs. In the Tatreez 101: An Introduction to Palestinian Embroidery workshop, you'll learn about the cultural significance of tatreez and the fundamentals of the fallahi stitch and start your own tatreez motif under Amanne's guidance. You'll leave with newfound skills, stitching strategy insights and all the materials needed to continue your own tatreez projects, connecting deeply with this rich cultural heritage.  

Pan-Arabic Drumming 

Learn all about the different Arabic drums: the derbakki, the riqq and the frame drum! Musician Faisal Zedan will engage families and patrons of all ages with Pan-Arabic Percussions & Melodies from a range of Arabic music traditions from throughout the Middle East and North Africa. He will also demonstrate a few beats you can try out for yourself!