This article was originally published by This Week in Palestine and is republished with permission.

Palestinian children take part in celebrating Jerusalem as the Capital of Arab Culture 2009 in the West Bank city of Qalqilia in April. (Khaleel Reash, Maan Images)

July is the time of the annual Palestine International Festival - notably the largest and most prestigious event of its kind on the cultural scene, showcasing both local and international artists. This year is special in that the festival is an integral part of the Al-Quds, Capital of Arab Culture programme of activities that celebrates the concept, "Jerusalem unites us and should not divide us." And given that the Israeli occupation continues to deny freedom of movement to Palestinians, Jerusalem's sister cities, Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus, will jointly host the festival, fostering unity amongst Palestinians through music and dance.

This is the Eleventh Annual Palestine International Festival, staged by The Popular Art Centre in Ramallah and funded this year mainly by Palestinian businesses and institutes and organised by hundreds of volunteers, who are driven by a fervent desire to maintain the continuity of the festival despite "occupational" hazards. The festivities also provide sorely needed economic activity and income to the various businesses involved and especially workers in the service sector of the economy. It also presents an opportunity for returning Palestinians to experience the cultural heritage of their homeland and for tourists visiting the Holy Land to experience the reality of Palestine and to correct their misinformed perceptions of Palestinian society.

International groups that will participate in the festival include Ilham Almadfa'i, an Arab-Iraqi singer of international repute who has been a platinum-selling artist over the years and a participant in festivals across the globe, from Jordan's Jarash Festival to France's Womex Festival; Chico and the Gypsies, from France, who achieved international fame with the hit "Bamboleo" and who are presently UNESCO's special envoy for peace, spreading this message on the international stage; Fire of Anatolia, from Turkey, considered one of the best dance groups globally, is making a much-awaited return to Palestine after its memorable performances last year; Storm, from Germany, internationally recognised after performing at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup in Munich in 2006, has performed from the Americas to Australasia and is making his debut in Palestine.

Local groups include El-Funoun, Palestine's leading dance troupe which has had notable successes on the international stage and which will be introducing a new performance for the festival; Yalalan, a singing group that consists of young Palestinians who are committed to the preservation of the musical heritage of the land; Dam, a pioneering Palestinian rap group that fuses Arabic percussion rhythms, Middle Eastern melodies, and urban hip-hop; Ouf Dance Group, a traditional dance group from Jerusalem, passionately committed to keeping Palestinian culture alive in the occupied city; Tarsheeha Troupe, from the village of Tarsheeha, attained critical acclaim at Egypt's Opera House, with its unique contribution in keeping the tradition of classical Arabic music alive; Dal'ouna, a fusion of traditional music and jazz that is played with classical occidental and traditional Arabic instruments. Dal'ouna will launch its new album during the festival.

The Palestine International Festival provides entertainment for everyone this summer. Be sure not miss any of the shows: Book your seats early!