Hail Heritage Festival Greets Over 27,000 Visitors with Cultural Treasure Trove
RIYADH The Hail Heritage Festival has attracted over 27,000 visitors, fascinating audiences from all over Saudi Arabia, the Gulf, and even overseas hotspots with its vibrant culture extravaganza and celebration of heritage.
Organized under the name of Beit Hail Festival, the 30-day celebration takes place every day between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m., providing visitors with an all-encompassing exploration of the Kingdom’s heritage. The festival, taking place in the Hail area, encompasses numerous artistic and cultural activities, many of which are interactive and deeply embedded in the local past.
Male and female skilled artisans come alive with live demonstrations of how everyday objects were originally made from natural materials using sheer creativity. Over 40 heritage activities, such as sadu weaving, crochet, hand-woven fabric, wickerwork, and Najdi and Hail-style door crafting, can be directly experienced by the visitors.
Other exhibits feature traditional attires, Thamudic embroidery, wood and leatherwork, resin works, fiber work, and homemade soap. Visitors also get to indulge in traditional Saudi folk food prepared on-site, giving the cultural experience a delicious twist.
Centrally located at the festival is an energetic artistic theater, where performances such as the Hail Samri and Saudi Ardah render the melodies and beats of the region.
Besides entertainment, the Hail Heritage Festival provides an excellent opportunity for local artisans to showcase and sell their own handmade items directly to tourists, helping keep ancient traditions alive in conjunction with keeping small businesses thriving.
