The RHC program tries to bring life back to those historic centres by supporting the local communities to develop a regeneration strategy, rehabilitating historic buildings or compounds and supporting operators in setting up new social, cultural or economic functions.

But reviving, revitalizing, regenerating the historic centres needs more than stones and mortar. Together with all stakeholders, the program aims to change the sometimes negative perception with regards to ancient structures and to show the people the possibilities to adapt historic buildings – with respect for the historic values and the local identity – to the needs and requirements of today and tomorrow. Here for a lot of emphasis is put on advocacy, awareness raising, participation, and community activation. In that way, supporting the Al Kamandjâti Festival was the ideal opportunity to reach out to the local communities, local visitors and international tourists.

Far from being a simple entertainment, Al Kamandjâti Festival seeks an art of living together by highlighting the cultural diversity and traditional heritage. This event was the occasion for an insight in both Palestine’s contemporary issues and incredibly rich legacy as this edition was travelling from the North to the South of Palestine for almost a month, passing by cities, villages and refugee camps. 

On Thursday 5th of April the Festival was kicked off by a press conference, photo exhibition and concert. Later on the Festival had stopovers in, amongst others, Sabastiya (April 7-8), Arraba (April 11), and Adh Dahariya (April 14). Concerts, children shows, film screenings, workshops, lectures, exhibitions and alternative guide tours took place in the different locations. The historic centres were transformed from being charming but quiet into bustling stages where hundreds of small and big events happened.

BTC was also present during the Festival to communicate about the RHC program and to reach out to the local communities, local visitors and international tourists. With posters and a small brochure a first glimpse of the project was given and through screening testimonies the history of the different villages was told.  

The brochure (in English and Arabic) can be found here: http://ow.ly/Lv8Y30aWk1n

For more information about the Al Kamandjâti Festival, please visit: http://alkamandjati.org/festivalblog/