JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture is set to host cultural and historical celebrations across the country from Feb. 21 to 26 in honor of Founding Day, observed annually on Feb. 22, to mark the state’s foundation by Imam Mohammed bin Saud in 1727 CE.
Spanning various cities across the Kingdom, the ministry’s curated events will present a diverse cultural feast, with “Founding Nights” billed as a main attraction.
Scheduled for Feb. 21 and 22 at the Abu Bakr Salem Stage in Boulevard City, Riyadh, this event promises a “nostalgic voyage through time with an evening of poetry and music.”
Attendees will be treated to poetry and melodies performed by esteemed poets and artists, bringing to light important facets of Saudi heritage.
Another event, “Symphony of the Beginning,” will take place on Feb. 25 and 26 at the same venue. It features an orchestral performance that melds traditional Saudi instruments with contemporary ones, and tells the tale of the nation’s founding through music. Prominent Saudi poets, composers, and the National Music Band will be performing.
The “Path of History” experience at King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh invites visitors to make their way through “an engaging display” of 19 scenes that chronicle the Saudi state’s evolution from its inception in 1727 to the present day. It consists of three distinct zones — The Gathering, The Journey, and The Celebration — each of which is designed to immerse visitors in the Kingdom’s history through cultural performances, art displays, and interactive installations.
Meanwhile, the “Founding Village,” which will be held in 14 locations from Feb. 22 to 24, aims to “resurrect the Kingdom’s historical narratives through immersive experiences that spotlight the country’s cultural legacy.”
This event will take visitors on a journey through 300 years of history, and includes traditional crafts, cultural stories, interactive children’s areas, digital innovations, family entertainment, authentic Saudi culinary delights and other cultural activities across various domains, including heritage and oral traditions.
These celebratory events underscore the Ministry of Culture’s dedication to commemorating a pivotal moment in Saudi history — the establishment of the Saudi state, and celebrating “the deep-rooted pride in national heritage, the solid bond between the citizenry and leadership, and the enduring legacy of progress and prosperity,” according to a ministry statement.
For tickets, visit: https://dc.moc.gov.sa/home/ar/founding-day/
Culture Ministry hosts Foundation Day celebrations across Saudi Arabia
https://arab.news/w2zf6
Culture Ministry hosts Foundation Day celebrations across Saudi Arabia
- ‘Founding Village’ event to showcase Kingdom’s cultural legacy
- Attendees will be treated to poetry and melodies performed by esteemed poets and artists, bringing to light important facets of Saudi heritage
Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration
- Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower
DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.
Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.
Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.
“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.
“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”
Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.
Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.
A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.
Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.
