RIYADH: People are flocking to attend the second season of the outdoor cultural attraction Minzal, which this winter has a series of new activities to experience.
Organized by Diriyah company as part of its winter season programs, Minzal takes place at Al Duhami Farm in Riyadh from Jan. 11 until Feb. 22.
The event offers visitors art workshops, live music, stargazing, horseriding, camping, and more.
“I thought it would be a simple activity such as shopping areas and coffee shops. I didn’t expect it to be like this,” Mubarak Al-Mansouri, who was visiting from the UAE, told Arab News. “I was surprised and impressed by how it was organized and what it offered. It shows it was organized very well.”
Visitors to Minzal will be able to explore several zones, with each focusing on one theme. For example, one of the areas at the farm is Al-Khayal, which offers horseriding.
In this zone visitors will have a chance to learn about horse breeds and pick up riding skills.
“The connection between horses and Arabs and the family in general is strong. I know horses and I have some relatives who have a deeper interest in horses, so horses are closely connected to us. The place tells you how they are linked to our traditions and heritage,” Al-Mansouri said.
Another zone is Al-Birwaz, where dining options, retail outlets, and workshops demonstrating traditional handicrafts are featured.
Fatimah Al-Ghamdi is an experienced crafter in Saudi Arabia. With more than 30 years’ experience, she has worked in several countries, including Russia, India and China, teaching people traditional Saudi crafts.
“It starts with the material that you use, regardless if it was from wicker or sadu. The material has to be original. For example, the wicker that is discharged or is dry isn’t the best to use,” Al-Ghamdi told Arab News.
Al-Ghamdi not only mastered crafts but taught her daughters too. Ibtisam is Fatimah’s daughter and a participant at Minzal. She teaches visitors how to make misbaha prayer beads.
“The making of misbaha is a traditional craft for us in Makkah and Madinah for pilgrims. It started there with the stones that were available there such as the red corals they used to get from the Red Sea, or the olive and date seeds,” Ibtisam said.
Along with Fatimah and her daughter Ibtisam, Ahmad Muhammad and Falih Al-Hakbani told Arab News about bishet making, which is traditional men’s wear for special occasions.
“Bishet making is either hand-made or by machine. The one that is done by machine has a double layer, whereas the one hand-made is made of one layer,” Muhammad said. “There are also different types of bishet, such as al-bakhiah, in which the sewing thread and textile both have the same color.”
At Minzal there is also a comfy seating area for socializing with family and friends around an open fire and listening to live music at the Al-Mashb Zone.
At Al-Mashb, people relax and enjoy delicious bites before they move to the next adventure, the stargazing area, where they learn about the galaxy and stars.
Stargazing, storytelling under the dark sky, and a warm cup of Saudi coffee while relaxing at the majlis on traditional Saudi seating promises to create long-lasting memories for people looking for calm away from the bustling city of Riyadh.
Minzal is just one of many programs during the Diriyah season this year that feature the warmth of Saudi hospitality and traditions.
