Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison marks each March with the celebration of MENA Heritage Month, which pays tribute to the cultures of the Middle Eastern North African region. This year's theme, “Roots and Routes: Tracing Homelands and Histories,” was selected by the MENA Heritage Month Planning Collective to focus on the paths and traditions shaping the MENA region's identities.

The month's events began with “Night on the Caravan Trail” on February 28th, offering attendees the chance to explore ancient MENA cities through various cultural activities, including food tasting, henna art, and crafting. On March 10th, “Scents of MENA: Sip and Smell” showcased the artistry of perfume-making with Middle Eastern essential oils.

Participation extended into community outreach. The "Little Hands, Big Hearts" event on March 13th partnered with Jewish Social Services of Madison, creating care packages for local refugee children observing Ramadan. Over 142 boxes were prepared, 42 of which contained food kits for families.

On March 18th, the keynote event featured Emil Wakim, a comedian and actor from Saturday Night Live, who performed at Memorial Union’s Play Circle Theater. He also participated in a moderated Q&A session, sharing insights with attendees and engaging directly with students.

The concluding event, “Qamaria: A Night of Timeless Traditions,” featured a Family Feud-style competition, providing an interactive opportunity for students to connect over cultural questions and classic games.

The MENA Heritage Month Planning Collective, comprised of university students, organized this month's events with support from the Multicultural Student Center.