Music, traditional dance, and the aroma of Palestinian food filled the air Saturday as community members gathered along Stockdale Highway for the first annual Palestine Culture Fest, the first event of its kind held in Bakersfield.
The festival was organized by the United Liberation Front for Palestine with logistical support from Blue Fig Farms.
Organizers said the goal was to create a family-friendly space to celebrate Palestinian culture while supporting humanitarian relief efforts.
The event featured live music by the Kuffiya Cowboys, performances by Dabke troupes and traditional dance groups, along with food vendors, art displays, cultural exhibits, and a showcase of traditional Palestinian clothing. DJ ABL provided music throughout the day.
Organizers said more than 30 pro-Palestinian vendors from across the Central Valley and Southern California participated.
Organizers said 20% of the festival’s proceeds will be donated to Levels Gaza, an organization in Palestine that provides art and education programs for children and supports families in need in northern Gaza.
Families and attendees from across Kern County attended the festival, which focused on cultural celebration and community connection.
Families dance during the first Palestine Culture Fest on Saturday in Bakersfield, Calif.
One booth featured a medical tent staffed by volunteer medics with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Volunteers said the tent provided on-site medical support and helped educate attendees about humanitarian conditions in Palestine and emergency medical response efforts.
Volunteers shared stories from Gaza, including that of Hind Rajab, a 6-year-old girl who was killed while fleeing with her family during military operations. They said Rajab stayed on the phone with Red Crescent dispatchers for nearly an hour as paramedics tried to reach her before their ambulance was destroyed.
The booth also displayed information about Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, a pediatrician and former hospital director in Gaza. Volunteers said he refused to leave his patients during evacuation orders and was later detained after surrendering outside the hospital.
Organizers said the display was meant to raise awareness about the dangers faced by medical workers and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Vanessa Orozco Romero, who helped organize the festival and volunteered throughout the day, said the event reflected growing public awareness.
“People are starting to finally take recognition of the atrocities that are happening in Palestine right now,” Romero said. “Although it may be a little too late in my opinion, I’m grateful that people are waking up.”
Romero said seeing the festival take place in Bakersfield was meaningful.
“I feel really good,” she said. “I’ve been part of the organizing efforts, and today I’m volunteering all day, but I also wanted to come out and experience it as a spectator.”
Vanessa Orozco Romero writes “freedom is near” on a community art board at the Palestine Culture Fest in Bakersfield.
Local artist Briana Gabriella Hendrix, who displayed her artwork at the festival, said participating was a way to support both the community and humanitarian relief efforts.
“I’m not Palestinian, but I am pro-Palestinian,” Hendrix said. “I’m pro people. I love supporting the cause, supporting the community, and supporting Gaza.”
Hendrix said the festival allowed her to share art that reflects Palestinian life and history.
“It’s an honor to be here and to spread my artwork with the community,” she said.
Artist Briana Gabriella Hendrix’s painting of women carrying water in Gaza.
