The Cultural Scene: January-February 2021

In line with the coronavirus restrictions, the ABA is pleased to present these online resources for the current edition of The Cultural Scene. 

Follow the Star

7 January: Coptic Christians in Egypt and other Orthodox Christians in the Eastern Mediterranean and Greece celebrate Christmas in early January, according to the Gregorian calendar. As a result, there will be a chance to view a heartfelt, poignant concert, Follow the Star, which features three Arab musicians, the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, and the Bethlehem Choir. Originally presented by PalMusic UK on 25 December on an invitation-only basis, it is now available on You Tube through this link.

Cooking at home

London's favourite Arab and Lebanese eateries are expected to offer take-away meals and snacks throughout January and February. An alternative, if you want to savour some of these kinds of dishes, is to try cooking them at home. The north London on-line shop, Sous Chef, offers a wide choice of ingredients, including tahini, harissa, chermoula, freeman and medjoul dates, as well as a wide range of special spices and herbs, such as sumac and zaatar. Also on offer are online recipes, cooking equipment, tableware, and gifts inspired by leading restaurants and international chefs. Visit them here.

Arabic Classes

Café Palestine in Kentish Town may be closed just now, but it is going ahead with its Arabic classes on Zoom. You can choose between Arabic for adults, Arabic for children or, their most recent innovation - Arabic in Palestine, which features language partners and cultural exchanges with people in Palestine. Treat yourself, too, to their wonderful array of goodies and gifts from their online shop – ceramic pottery, handblown glassware, olive wood from Bethlehem, kaffiyeh facemasks, embroidery and authentic cooking ingredients. Here's a link where you can register. 

Chateau Musar and Lebanese Wines

Lebanon's Beta Valley is home to some of the world's oldest and most renowned wines, including Chateau Musar, Ksara, Kefraya and Massaya. The grate varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. Many have a fuller, spicier flavour than their French counterparts, having survived the vicissitudes of adverse weather than have affected their European rivals over the years. Majestic Wine stores and warehouses in the UK are offering to delivery. To view their offerings of Lebanese wines, follow this link.

A Calendar, Books and Cards

Now that 2021 is upon us, CADFA's Palestinian calendar will take you away to a land that, despite its difficulties and troubled history, is full of joy and humour. Add to that a set of books about Palestine and a set of cards ready to send next Christmas, and you have a unique package of delights to treasure during the winter days ahead. CADFA is a friendship association linking the London borough of Camden with the Palestinian village of About Dis, near Jerusalem. It is offering a third off the price if you buy their package now: £45 instead of £69. Click here for details. 

Pamela Ann Smith

17 December 2020.