Winter at Tantora Festival Highlights Cultural and Popular Heritage of AlUla

For six weeks, the old town of AlUla comes alive with unique events showcasing heritage, culture, and art
For six weeks, the old town of AlUla comes alive with unique events showcasing heritage, culture, and art
TT

Winter at Tantora Festival Highlights Cultural and Popular Heritage of AlUla

For six weeks, the old town of AlUla comes alive with unique events showcasing heritage, culture, and art
For six weeks, the old town of AlUla comes alive with unique events showcasing heritage, culture, and art

The Winter at Tantora festival, organized by AlUla Moments, celebrates the cultural and historical heritage of the region.

For six weeks, the old town of AlUla comes alive with unique events showcasing heritage, culture, and art, the Saudi Press Agency reported Saturday. The festival aims to introduce guests to this rich tradition passed down through generations.

The Winter at Tantora festival is held annually and is one of the most prominent events in the Kingdom.

Each festival edition surprises guests by merging classic elements with new and innovative additions, providing an exceptional and unforgettable experience.



Hayy Matsuri in Jeddah Celebrates Japanese Culture

A group of tourists look at chopsticks products at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)
A group of tourists look at chopsticks products at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)
TT

Hayy Matsuri in Jeddah Celebrates Japanese Culture

A group of tourists look at chopsticks products at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)
A group of tourists look at chopsticks products at the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo on January 10, 2025. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP)

The second edition of the Japanese Hayy Matsuri cultural festival, held under the theme "Saudi Celebrates Japan," was inaugurated on Thursday in Hayy Jameel, Jeddah.
The festival, which runs until January 11, aims to enhance cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan, emphasizing the vital role of art in fostering communication and promoting mutual understanding among cultures.
This year's festival provides a cohesive cultural experience that blends tradition with creativity. It features a diverse range of activities, including musical performances by both Saudi and Japanese artists, with highlights such as the Kingdom's premiere of "Electronicos Fantasticos!" and performances by Daisuke Tanabe.

Visitors can also participate in interactive workshops to explore the arts of origami, Japanese calligraphy, and Ikebana, the art of flower arrangement.
In addition to live performances, the festival includes screenings of Japanese manga and films, traditional tea ceremonies, and a variety of anime-related projects. Attendees can also enjoy cosplay competitions, a board games zone, printmaking activations, and traditional live demonstrations celebrating Japanese cultural and artistic practices.
A cultural market showcasing over 30 vendors offers products inspired by Japanese culture and authentic Japanese cuisine, allowing visitors to experience the rich flavors of historical Japanese culinary traditions.
The festival celebrates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Japan, reflecting the profound cultural ties between the two nations. It fosters mutual understanding and creates connections through cultural and artistic exchange.