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Saudi Arabia Celebrates Years of Cultural Icons

Saudi Arabia Celebrates Years of Cultural Icons
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Saudi Arabia Celebrates Years of Cultural Icons

Saudi Arabia Celebrates Years of Cultural Icons

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture has designated the past four years as celebrations of key national cultural symbols to deepen cultural engagement and promote Saudi heritage, the Saudi Press Agency said on Thursday.
Initiated in 2020, the "Year of Arabic Calligraphy" highlighted the art form's significance in Arab culture. Extended into 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this initiative aimed to elevate calligraphy's status and promote its integration into daily life.
Following this, 2022 was declared the "Year of Saudi Coffee", showcasing the beverage's cultural and economic importance. The campaign emphasized Saudi Arabia's coffee and its unique qualities and role in the nation's heritage.
The "Year of Arabic Poetry" in 2023 built on these successes and accentuated its enduring influence on Arab culture.
This year, the "Year of the Camel", was recently announced by the Cabinet, acknowledging the animal's deep-rooted historical and cultural significance to the Arabian Peninsula. Camels represent a significant aspect of the nation's heritage.
These initiatives, initiated by the Ministry of Culture, are aimed at preserving and promoting Saudi culture on both a national and global scale, underscoring their significance.

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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)
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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.