A warm welcome of traditional songs and dances from all the regions of the Kingdom greets visitors to the National Heritage and Culture Festival (Al-Janadriya 24) opened here on Wednesday by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Every region of the Kingdom has a pavilion at the Festival depicting traditional buildings which portray the nation's history, offering a unique opportunity for the younger generation to learn more about their heritage and for foreign visitors and residents to acquaint themselves with Saudi traditional arts and culture. The emirs and governors of the Kingdom's regions have placed great importance on participation in this cultural event personally supervising every arrangement since the Festival reflects the past and modern history of the regions as well as the development that they have achieved. Hussien Ali Al-Khalifa, head of the Jouf delegation, said: “We have been preparing for this important event for a long time. We have a permanent pavilion in Al-Janadriya where we display our region's heritage, history and culture, such as, the Jouf woolen tent. In this tent, we showcase some of the region's folkloric arts, such as, Al-Samri and Al-Daha Arda. Also, poets recite their classic, traditional poems. Apart from this, we display some of the region's handicrafts including wood and metalwork and masons building traditional houses. The delegation will also distribute publications to visitors focusing on the region's history and heritage. We also serve our visitors Arabic coffee and delicious traditional dishes which they can watch being cooked in front of them.” Dau'ba Muhammad Yanallah, Director of Tourism Development in Baha and head of the region's delegation, said: “The region's participation in Al-Janadriya includes setting up a traditional market displaying all the region's handicrafts. A traditional band and dance group will perform regional dances, especially the Arda or the sword dance.” Taif will participate in this colorful cultural event with its famous traditional bands presenting several folkloric dances, such as, Al-Dher, Al-Mahawra and Al-Majroor. There will also be a display of handicrafts with men sewing traditional costumes.
