Somali-Americans in Minnesota are preparing to host the largest celebration of Somali culture in North America this week in North America.
The tradition began over a decade ago by Ka Joog, a Minneapolis-based youth development nonprofit, and coincides with Somali independence day. Over the years, the event has grown from 5,000 people to over 40,000 participants.
The celebration is marked by live music, athletics and family-friendly events, culminating in a day-long street festival on Lake Street in Minneapolis.
This year’s Somali Week celebration is the largest, with 22 events. It kicks off on Saturday, July 2nd, with the annual street festival, which was cancelled for the past two years due to the global COVID pandemic.
On Wednesday, participants can enjoy poetry, spoken word and storytelling during the screening of Xassuso (Remember), a short documentary that explores how poets memorialized Somalia’s path to independence.
BRAVE will host an event honouring Somali women on Thursday. BRAVE is a Twin Cities women’s nonprofit focusing on education, health and employment.
A 24-team soccer tournament will be held throughout the week at Minnetonka High School.
Mohamed Farah, the Executive Director of Ka Joog, said the festival is an opportunity to showcase Somali culture to the local community.
“The Somali Week Festival is not merely an opportunity for first- and second-generation Somali families to celebrate their unique and rich traditions. It’s an opportunity to join with our neighbours and friends in celebrating the values of community and caring that truly makes Minneapolis and Minnesota unique.”
Daud Mohamed, Ka Joog’s chairman, added that the festival had become a staple event in Minneapolis.
“Minnesota is home to the largest population of Somalia diaspora in the U.S. Somali culture is a part of Minnesota culture. The festival is more significant than just a series of events; it is a proud tradition.
Rising Nomad, an international NGO, will be hosting a fundraising drive for famine relief on Saturday. The event is expected to be attended by several high-level participants, including the U.S. Ambassador to Somalia, Larry Andre.
