Al Janadriyah-31

Al Janadriyah-31

Dr. Jassim Taqui

Riyadh: February 2, 2017: 

From here, the fragrance of originality exudes reaffirming and strengthening the total Arab Identity.  Al Janadriyah - The National Festival for Heritage and Culture - is the most important national event held expressing Saudi Arabia's history and its current concept of booming prosperity. To reformulate a perfect palette of creativity in the festival, a variety of events and activities are held - from the opening ceremony of the events to performing folklore arts, holding camel races, as well as many other cultural and heritage activities,  are revived confirming to total authenticity.

Opening ceremony

Under the auspices of the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz (may Allah protect him), the National festival for Heritage and Culture -  Al Janadriyah in its 31st session will kick off on Thursday, 01/02/2017 in a grand ceremony attended by a number of Kings and Presidents and senior officials of friendly nations.
   
This year the festival will host the Arab Republic of Egypt as the guest of honor.  You learn a lot about the Egyptian people and live the experience of the rich diversity of Egyptian culture and traditions.  A number of GCC countries also participated in the festival, as usual, this year.

Great Camel racing

Great annual camel racing is one of the most important elements of Al Janadriyah festival, which is held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.  Camel racing has a long heritage, Saudi Arabia seeks to promote and highlight the role of camels in the lives of the people of the Kingdom.
   
Participate in racing will be camel owners from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.  The races had a large audience and viewers enjoying the fun and experiencing the unique thrill.

Janadriyah operetta

Janadriyah operetta is the most important artistic and cultural hub of Al Janadriyah.  The poetry reading is considered as one of the popular arts and heritage. A number of famous Saudis poets and singers participated in the preparation and presentation of this event, including other Arabs. Many of practitioners of folk arts and dances also presented their skill.
   
The Operetta is an annual fiesta expressing all the art of poetry through the melodies, performances, and dances that represent all regions of the Kingdom.  The traditional singing enchants the gathering in the backdrop of a beautiful landscape, where the young and the old will experience the vitality of the operetta.  The First operetta started in the fifth session of the festival in 1989.

Al Ardah of Saudi Arabia

Al Ardah is a kind of folkloric dance of Saudi Arabia. The Custodian of the Two Holy mosques participated in its events as one of the most important activities of the National festival for heritage and culture that reflects the unity of the nation and the people, and the union of the leadership representing an embodiment of ‘Pride and Cohesion’ as the strength of the nation.  The Atmosphere is filled with joy and pleasure rendered by accompanying drums and spoken poetry through movements.  One can visualize pleasure all around with pride and sober dance, with wobble and firm steps, holding the sword of power and pride in hand on the scattered sand.

Pavilions of Provinces and Government institutions

As always, all the regions of the Kingdom were presented at the festival to showcase their heritage and crafts, authentic tasty foods, and genuine popular heritage reflecting traditions and customs of each region.  As well as many, governmental institutions participated in the festival through their own pavilions displaying their achievements through pictographs, models, and collectibles. Meaningful and interesting seminars, contests, gifts, and prizes were offered to the visitors.

Pavilions of institutions and private companies

Taking part in the National festival for heritage and culture, Al Janadriyah, many companies mixed with the visitors and provided many free services and products at discounted rates.  They assisted visitors while touring through their pavilions. Some companies offered job opportunities and displayed their company's achievements, progress, and development.

Fine arts gallery

Creativity and art were assembled in Al Janadriyah festival in an exclusive gallery named, “Pride and Vigor”.  This gallery included features of a number of pioneers of fine art in the Kingdom. It included events and workshops such as Arabic calligraphy, art photography, sculpture, realistic art, digital art, photography caricature, and a ceremony for children.

The popular handicraft market

Several principalities participated in the market area of the festival to show the most beautiful crafts that highlighted the quality, workmanship, and heritage of each region.