Heritage Commission Organizes Artisan Workshops, Cultural Shows

The event features sound and light shows on the palace facade, which draw enthusiasts of all ages. - SPA
The event features sound and light shows on the palace facade, which draw enthusiasts of all ages. - SPA
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Heritage Commission Organizes Artisan Workshops, Cultural Shows

The event features sound and light shows on the palace facade, which draw enthusiasts of all ages. - SPA
The event features sound and light shows on the palace facade, which draw enthusiasts of all ages. - SPA

The Heritage Commission is organizing nine daily workshops at the historic Bin Raqoush Palace in Al-Baha, focusing on palm weaving, wax making, and carpentry.
The aim is to show Saudi Arabia's rich heritage crafts, utilizing the natural surroundings to reflect the nation's unique identity, SPA reported.
The event features sound and light shows on the palace facade, which draw enthusiasts of all ages.
The venue includes a traditional gathering chamber. On display are deer and camel products, 3D exhibits, cultural performances, and an exhibition of World Heritage Sites.
Through this week-long event, the commission seeks to promote understanding of the Kingdom's history and heritage and underscore the country's cultural significance and dedication to heritage conservation.
Bin Raqoush Palace, a historical gem and key tourist attraction, boasts a rich history dating back to 1249 AH. It comprises multiple houses with unique features, like a tribal gathering chamber, attached mosque, dormitories, a well, an inner courtyard, and annexes all around, forming a complete residential complex.



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)
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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.