The 2^nd Annual Chicago Arabesque Festival will be held free of charge from Wednesday, June 25th through Saturday, June 28^th, 2008 in Daley Plaza, the most central and vibrant part of downtown Chicago.

The festival hours are: 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. Wednesday through Friday and from 11 A.M. – 7 P.M. on Saturday.

Chicago Arabesque is proudly presented by the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Arab Affairs, the Arab American Action Network, and Turath - the Arab cultural foundation of Chicago. These organizations endeavor to provide Chicago’s Arab community of almost 250,000 with a unique opportunity to share its experiences and articulate its voice in Chicago’s vast cultural arena.

Chicago Arabesque will offer a dynamic celebration and exploration of the art, cuisine, culture, music, and dance of the Arab world in the heart of the city. It is a non-religious, non-political festival that will promote public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world.

Representing 12 of the 22 Arab countries, Chicago Arabesque seeks to exhibit the rich cultural diversity and hospitality of the Arab world to the general public.

Visitors will be able to browse through educational and commercial booths in an outdoor souk (bazaar) showcasing products that display the craftsmanship and industry of the Arab region, for example: traditional clothing, carpets, musical instruments, spices, hookahs, woodwork, etc. Guests will also have the chance to taste a variety of Arab cuisines; attend daily music, dance, and spoken word performances; and participate in demonstrations of artisans, henna, calligraphy, and dabke (a traditional Arab line-dance). Chicago Arabesque expects to host approximately 50,000 visitors over the course of four days. Children are welcome as Chicago Arabesque is open for all ages and admission is free for all.