Highlights from World Refugee and Immigrant Day Festival
in Oakland, CA 

On June 15, 2024, Clinton Park in Oakland was transformed into a vibrant tapestry of cultures and stories as it hosted World Refugee and Immigrant Day Festival. This event, the largest gathering ever held at the park, brought together 38 organizations, each committed to sharing resources and support for refugees and immigrants. In addition – diverse performances, delicious food, and local art highlighted the rich cultural heritage that refugees bring to their new communities here in the Bay Area. Importantly, the event underscored the importance of encouraging hope in the face of current horrors around the world. 

This event held annually is essential for many community members – providing an array of resources including health services, legal advice, education opportunities, employment support, community building, and more. This is not just a resource fair of 38 organizations but an intricate network of people and stories .. shared pain and hope. 

The Bay Area is a vibrant mosaic of incredible talent from around the world. This year’s World Refugee Day Festival was a testament to this, featuring an array of remarkable performances that highlighted the region’s global influences. There is never a shortage of talent, as each performance celebrates the unique contributions of refugee communities to the Bay Area’s cultural landscape. This years’ performances included:

Shabbal Sudanese Dance Troupe: The rhythmic beats of Sudanese dance captivated the audience, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Sudan. The dancers’ vibrant costumes and energetic movements brought a piece of Sudan to Oakland, leaving the crowd in awe.

Calibri Latinx Folklorico Dance: The colorful and dynamic Calibri dance brought the spirit of Latin America to the festival. The dancers’ passionate performances and intricate choreography promote the pride of identifying as an LGBTQ Latinx. Their mission seeks to preserve customs and traditions through cultural and educational projects as well as staged performances.

ASWAT Arab Music Ensemble: Melodic and soulful, the ASWAT performance was a highlight of the festival. Traditional instruments and contemporary sounds blended seamlessly, creating a musical journey across Arab nations that resonated deeply with attendees.

Vietnamese Fashion Show: The Vietnamese fashion show feature stunning traditional attire and modern designs. The elegance of the models highlighted the craftsmanship of Vietnamese fashion.

Eritrean Music and Spoken Word: Eritrean performers brought their unique blend of music and spoken word to the stage, reflecting the strength of the Eritrean community.

Morodok Angkor Khmer Dance: A traditional Khmer precessional and music filled the air, transporting attendees to Cambodia. 

Su Wai, Traditional Burmese Harp and Voice: 

The ethereal notes of the Burmese harp, accompanied by soulful vocals, mesmerized the audience. This performance was a poignant reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Myanmar.

Food was another highlight of the festival, with vendors offering a diverse array of cuisines. Attendees enjoyed Afghan, Thai, and Central American dishes, each bite a journey to a different part of the world. 

Local artists and vendors set up installations and booths, showcasing a variety of artworks and crafts. These displays provided a platform for immigrant artists to share their stories and talents with the broader community.

The success of the World Refugee Day Festival serves as an inspiration for future events, encouraging continued support and celebration of refugee communities.