RIYADH: The Philippine Culture Days launched on Friday evening as part of the Global Harmony 2 initiative organized by the Ministry of Media, in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority and supported by the Quality of Life Program.
The event is being staged at Al-Suwaidi Park, one of Riyadh Season’s zones, from Dec. 5-8, and has already welcomed thousands of visitors, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It offers an immersive cultural journey highlighting the richness of Philippine culture and its traditional arts, while also showcasing the success stories of Filipino residents in the Kingdom, their social, economic, and cultural roles, and their diverse contributions.
The program includes musical performances by leading Filipino artists and influencers, as well as cultural pavilions that introduce visitors to everyday Filipino life through bazaars of traditional clothing, popular food stalls, and themed photo-shoot experiences with folkloric costumes, creating a vivid celebration of Philippine identity.
Filipino artisans also present live demonstrations of traditional crafts, including shellcrafting, accessory-making, and handcrafted art, giving visitors a close look at the intricate craftsmanship involved.
The opening day featured the first musical concert with Filipino performers, along with more than 70 exhibitors and artistic performers presenting musical and folk shows that blend traditional arts with modern rhythms, drawing strong audience engagement.
The four-day Philippine Culture Days event is part of a broader series of global cultural activities aimed at fostering cultural exchange and highlighting the Kingdom’s embrace of diversity.
The Global Harmony 2 initiative continues to offer more than 200 children’s activities over 49 days, with steady turnout from families throughout the week. This year’s initiative aims to celebrate 14 world cultures, each representing a different community in the Kingdom.
So far, more than 2 million visitors have taken part in the cultural initiative, with only three exhibitions remaining in the Global Harmony 2 initiative.
Following Philippine Culture Days are Uganda (Dec. 9-10), Ethiopia (Dec. 11-13), and Sudan (Dec. 14-20).
Officials hope to shed light on the lives of expatriates living in Saudi Arabia, celebrating their social and recreational activities, contributions to the Kingdom’s economy, and personal success stories.
