By Reina Tejano-Berina
Anyone who is living in Riyadh must experience the Al Janadriyah Festival at least once. This grand cultural festivity is held every year at the Al Janadriyah village, about 40 kilometers northeast of Riyadh and is organized by the National Guard.
Millions of people grace this event to celebrate the country’s history and bear witness to the developments of Saudi Arabia in various sectors. The Janadriyah village is a vast land area with pavilions representing the ministries and provinces of Saudi Arabia. Make sure you grab a map at the entrance and plot the places that you pique your interest. As you walk through the event, you will be enthralled by the scenes of traditional Saudi dances, the smell of burning oud, and the taste of various Saudi dishes. To learn more about their government, economy, education and history, there are exhibition halls present their achievements and plans, especially towards Vision 2030.
Each year, they also showcase a guest country in order to share the culture of other nations to the Saudi people. In the past, they have designated a pavilion to countries like France, Japan, Germany, Korea and for this year, India is set to take the stage.
MUST-VISIT PAVILIONS
Camel Race Track: The camel race typically opens during the inaugural day of the festival and goes on for three days. In the past, it has only been accessible for men, but perhaps this year, that may change.
Exhibit Hall for Bedouin Crafts and Livelihood: It’s filled with displays of how Bedouins live, what they wear and their day to day activities like weaving and raising livestock.
Saudi Ports Authority: They have a unique pavilion designed with a boat and bridge in the middle of a desert land. It represents the work they do in both the Jeddah Islamic Posrts and King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu.
Ministry of Agriculture: Check out the produce and farming practices in Saudi Arabia that goes beyond just dates. They present a variety of organic fruits and vegetables, olive oil and honey.
Madinah Pavilion: Curated with abundant food stalls, this pavilion is known for presenting the unique flavors of traditional Saudi food.
MUST-TRY ACTIVITIES
- Ladies, imbibe the festival spirit by buying one of the Arabic headdresses with gold embellishments sold on the streets. There are also flower crowns sold at the Taif and Easter Region pavilion. Wear it over your forehead and walk along the village; the locals appreciate seeing it on you! It can even serve as a souvenir.
- Gentlemen can join along the traditional Saudi sword dance called “Ardah.” There is a step and beat that you need to follow so don’t be shy to ask one of the Arab men in thobes to show you how it’s done.
- Don’t miss trying out local dishes from the various food stalls. Try a serving of Balila (chickpeas) with beetroot with a dash of hot sauce, buy a kilo of Ajwa or Segai dates to munch on, or order a plate of Al Motubug (crepe-like pastry squares with either meat or vegetable) to share with your friends.
- At the heart of the festival is a centerstage where the guest country of the year presents a cultural show of dance and musical performances. One time, they even brought in famous soccer players too! There’s usually two to three major performances in the evening in between prayer times so huddle up with the crowd and cheer them on.
- Get a quick henna tattoo! Covered ladies holding up makeshift henna applicators roam about the village for willing customers. They just sit with you on one side of the street and within 5 to 10 minutes, you have a traditional, Saudi-designed henna tattoo on your hand or wrist. It’ll be a conversation starter when you get to work the next day for sure.
This year’s Al Janadriyah Festival will start on February 7, 2018 and will go on for 18 days. Open from 4PM to 12AM. Location can be found through these coordinates: 24.958591, 46.794463. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
