Mideast Comes Alive at Carnivale

Lustrous Persian carpets tinged with golden threads. Sweet meats and strong tea--smells so rich they can drug the uninitiated. These are the mysteries we first learn of the Middle East.

From childhood storybooks, we remember something both dangerous and provocative about genies, flying carpets, magic lamps and rich bazaars.

And then the dance.

Stories of beautiful women performing the Dance of the Seven Veils and the Danse Orientale--Americanized into belly dancing--always include kings entranced and brought to their knees.

Who can resist the mystery?

Now, we can’t deny that the image of Middle Eastern culture has suffered lately with terrorism and holy wars breaking out from Iraq to Palestine. But let’s not throw out the babaghanouj with the bath water.

In fact, that tasty puree of eggplant, garlic and lemon known as babaghanouj would be reason enough to visit the 15th annual Cairo Carnivale next Saturday and Sunday at Whittier’s Rio Hondo College.

The focus of the Cairo Carnivale, the only fund-raiser held each year for the Middle Eastern Culture and Dance Assn., will be dance--both folk and modern cabaret-style.

Started in 1977 by a group of professional cabaret dancers, the association sought better wages and working conditions for members who performed in Middle Eastern restaurants throughout the county. They achieved their goals and stayed together as a professional organization.

Now both amateurs and professional dancers get together every year to share their craft with the public. The event draws dancers from all over the country who perform traditional dances such as the Greek Zambekiko , the Arabic Debke and the Hora, known to nearly all who have attended a Jewish wedding or celebration.

And, of course, masters of the craft will perform the Danse Orientale.

Dances will be performed on two stages--one outdoors and one inside. In addition, Mediterranean food and drink will be available, and antiques and wares from throughout the region will be sold at a bazaar.

Cairo Carnivale is Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 6 at Rio Hondo College, 3600 Workman Mill Road in Whittier. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children and $7 for senior citizens and students with identification.

Information: (818) 285-4776.