Nablus hosts successful "Kanafeh and Soap Festival"

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In a bid to promote local products as an alternative to Israeli-produced goods, the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank has hosted a “Kanafeh and Soap Festival”. This was the largest event organised by the public relations committee of the Nablus local authority in the whole of 2011; preparations began in earnest in mid-November.

The festival threw the spotlight on local crafts in the city, with the objective of reviving Palestinian heritage and preserving Nablus as the economic capital of Palestine. This included a number of trades which have been in the doldrums recently.

Kicking off last Thursday, the festival showcased a heritage exhibition of historic artefacts and utensils, as well as an old cafe, “Maqha Zaman”, to illustrate life and traditions from the past. A market sold two items for which Nablus is famous, the festival’s eponymous Kanafeh, a delicious sweet dish, and soap. Goods produced by local people with special needs were also on sale.

MEMO Photographer: Ibtehal Mansour

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