Hala Back

It’s hard to figure out where we’d be in modern times if not for the ancient Arabs. The brainy race invented algebra, soap, and distillation, thus creating both scourge and solace for contemporary teenagers. And have you ever wondered where the greeting “holler” came from? Etymologists might credit that one to the Arabs, too: “Ya Hala” means “welcome” in Arabic. It’s also the name of this year’s Arab Cultural Festival, a celebration of heritage open to everyone. Get down to traditional North African Bedouin folk music from MC Rai, hip-hop from the Iron Sheik, or classical and popular Arabic music played by the Georges Lammam Ensemble; shop the booth bazaar for jewelry and art; or just stuff your face with delicious Middle Eastern food. If the Arab world didn’t invent hospitality, it certainly embraced it. Holler.
Sun., Aug. 24, 11 a.m., 2008