Once Upon a Hadouta – An Interactive Egyptian Folktale Adventure for Kids with Mona

This interactive storytelling experience invites children and families to discover the rich heritage of Egyptian folktales through live narration, movement, humor, and audience participation. Presented in Egyptian Arabic, English, and French, the project brings traditional Egyptian “hadouta” stories to life while celebrating the cultural heritage and oral storytelling traditions passed down through generations.

Children become active participants, joining in through call-and-response, repeating memorable phrases, making animal sounds, and helping shape the stories as they unfold. Selected volunteers may be invited to wear simple costume pieces and take part in playful storytelling moments, creating a joyful and inclusive experience.

The storytelling performance features three Egyptian folktales, one longer story and two shorter tales, combining literature, performance, creativity, and cultural exploration. Through shared storytelling, children and families are invited to connect with Egyptian heritage while experiencing the universal joy of stories told together.

The activity is designed for children ages 4–8 and their families, though younger and older kids are welcome to participate with parents or siblings.

10:30am – French Storytelling

11:30am – English Storytelling

12:30pm – Arabic Storytelling

Mona Moheb is this year’s Halton Hub Artist and will be featured in various Culture Days programming throughout the region.