RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture has completed preparations for the second edition of the Flowerman Festival in Rijal Almaa, Asir region, from Sept. 13-27, during which the region’s culture, customs and traditions will be celebrated under the slogan “Nine Centuries of Glory.”
The festival includes three main tracks dealing with various aspects of the flower men culture. In the first track, “Flower Men and Determination,” the festival will focus on the qualities of Rijal Almaa, reflected in many symbols, names, pieces of art, and stories.
The second track, titled “Women of Almaa,” highlights the status of the brilliant women who have contributed through art and distinguished initiatives in preserving the heritage of the region.
The third track, titled “Rijal’s Fort,” highlights the design and architecture of the village of Rijal, which made it a distinctive symbol of world heritage architecture.
At the festival, the Ministry of Culture will present various activities in two main locations. The first location is in the village of Rijal and the second in Al-Soudah Park, where the village will witness folklore performances in the main theater with a 360-degree design to make people feel as if they are part of the show in an immersive and interactive experience for visitors.
The ministry will also present projection shows filled with technical and visual elements to convey and tell the stories of Rijal. Other activities include the Rijal restaurant, which will offer a unique experience of Asiri cuisine, in addition to the heritage market that will introduce visitors to about 12 professions and crafts presented by some pioneer practitioners.
The Ministry of Culture organized the first edition of the Flowerman Festival in 2019, which focused on the types of roses, flowers, folk performances, folkloric bands for the Asir region and the light projection on the Alwan Fort. The festival witnessed about 16 cultural events with the participation of 10 cultural sectors, and the attendees of the festival amounted to 30,000 visitors.
