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Riyadh Season Draws 5 Million Visitors in Less Than a Month

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Riyadh Season Draws 5 Million Visitors in Less Than a Month

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

The number of visitors to Riyadh Season has exceeded 5 million since its launch on October 28, indicating a significant acceleration in the widespread interest in the Season's zones, diverse events, and its unique experiences.
The Riyadh Season stands out with its increasing entertainment momentum and the rising number of visits since its very beginning under the theme "Big Time."

Starting with its opening featuring "The Battle of the Baddest," attended by large numbers of visitors and renowned personalities from around the world, the event marked a unique milestone in the region, SPA reported.

The Season's visits are expected to double in the coming periods, given the increasing activities day by day. The Season organizes several exhibitions, festivals, and boxing matches, in addition to various exhibitions, festivals, and diverse events.
Riyadh Season marks its fourth edition under the theme "Big Time," featuring a diverse array of global entertainment options and experiences.

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Varieties

The Barnacle, Spaniards’ Favorite Christmas Dish, Imperiled by Climate Change

Adriana, 31, buys boxes with barnacles in front of Israel Martinez, an auctioneer, that were caught off the Atlantic coasts of Galicia during an auction ahead of Christmas celebrations in the port of Coruna, Spain December 21, 2024. (Reuters)
Adriana, 31, buys boxes with barnacles in front of Israel Martinez, an auctioneer, that were caught off the Atlantic coasts of Galicia during an auction ahead of Christmas celebrations in the port of Coruna, Spain December 21, 2024. (Reuters)
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The Barnacle, Spaniards’ Favorite Christmas Dish, Imperiled by Climate Change

Adriana, 31, buys boxes with barnacles in front of Israel Martinez, an auctioneer, that were caught off the Atlantic coasts of Galicia during an auction ahead of Christmas celebrations in the port of Coruna, Spain December 21, 2024. (Reuters)
Adriana, 31, buys boxes with barnacles in front of Israel Martinez, an auctioneer, that were caught off the Atlantic coasts of Galicia during an auction ahead of Christmas celebrations in the port of Coruna, Spain December 21, 2024. (Reuters)

On the craggy rocks on northwestern Spain's treacherous Costa da Morte (Death Coast), wetsuit-clad fishermen dodge crashing waves as they pick barnacles, a prized Christmas delicacy facing decline due to climate change and other factors.

Fetching up to 200 euros ($208) per kilogram (2.2 pounds) during the holiday season, the gooseneck barnacle from the Galicia region has long been treasured by Spaniards for both its flavor and difficulty to harvest.

However, the rise in sea temperatures driven by climate change has severely affected barnacle habitats, as they thrive in icy waters. A recent study by the University of Vigo also linked changing wave patterns to lower quality in the shellfish.

Israel Martinez, an auctioneer in the A Coruna fish market, said that there used to be double or triple the number of barnacles just 10 years ago.

Despite state regulations - such as limiting daily harvests to 7 kg per fisherman - illegal fishing has surged due to the barnacles' high value.

Licensed percebeiros, or barnacle pickers, have called for increased policing of the coast to deter poachers.

Their job is classified as a risky profession due to the adverse work conditions.

"The percebeiro trade on the Costa da Morte is dying. This is due to climate change, absurd laws, illegal fishing and a lack of workers," 36-year-old Roberto Vidal, who started out as a percebeiro at 16, told Reuters.

He said there used to be between 100 and 200 percebeiros in his town of Corme. Now, there are around 30.

Fellow percebeiro Serafin Rodriguez said that future generations would be unable to follow in his footsteps due to declining barnacle populations.