This year’s festival will transport attendees on a global journey with captivating performances by renowned artists. Experience the opening ritual by local artist Dohee Lee, mesmerizing music and dance from Afghanistan by Samia Karimi, dynamic cultural showcases from Kenya, Senegal, Mali, Brazil, and Congo by Cheza Nami Ensemble, a Vietnamese fashion performance titled “Ao Dai Dep” by Anna Wong, and soul-stirring Latin American music and dance by Diana Gameros Quartet.
The festival offers a wide range of activities and amenities for the whole family to enjoy. Indulge in free Afghan, Chinese, and Korean cuisines. Children will be delighted with face painting, art making, engaging book readings, and toy distributions. Additionally, a free COVID-19 test and vaccine clinic will be available to prioritize the well-being of the community.
Co-hosted by EBRIF and ARTogether, the festival recognizes and celebrates refugees on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ World Refugee Day. It sheds light on the challenges faced by refugees worldwide due to war, persecution, ethnic cleansing, and natural disasters. The East Bay community is a haven for thousands of immigrants, refugees, and asylees, with significant numbers originating from Afghanistan, Burma, Bhutan, Iraq, and Ukraine.
“We’re thrilled to bring our diverse community together at this year’s World Refugee and Immigrant Day Festival,” expressed Sean Kirkpatrick, EBRIF Coordinator. “The festival honors the strength, resilience, and incredible contributions of immigrants and refugees. It’s an opportunity to foster inclusivity and celebrate their journey in building a new home.”
With an expected attendance of around 400 people, the festival guarantees an immersive experience for all. Non-profit community-based organizations, city officials, and county representatives will showcase their work, while engaging crafts and activities will entertain children and youth. Get a taste of the vibrant atmosphere by watching our event highlights video from last year’s festival!
For any questions or accommodation requests, please email coordinator@ebrif.org
