Al-Manshiyah Carnival in Al-Ula: Entertainment and Heritage Events at Winter at Tantora
Al-Ula, the tourism gem of Saudi Arabia, continues to dazzle visitors with its diverse and vibrant events. The Al-Manshiyah Carnival residents and tourists alike during weekends as one of the highlights of the Winter at Tantora Festival. The carnival offers an open-air entertainment experience that celebrates local heritage and evokes popular traditions in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, blending fun with cultural richness.
The experience of nostalgia and memories
The carnival boasts a diverse array of activities designed to suit all ages, making it an ideal destination for families. Events include classic games that transport adults back to cherished childhood memories, live concerts featuring a blend of traditional and contemporary tunes, and heritage performances and festive parades. Carefully designed photo booths abound, capturing nostalgic moments and allowing visitors to record their happy memories.
Reviving the historic Al-Manshia Square
The Al-Manshiyah Carnival is more than just a fleeting entertainment event; it's part of a broader project to revitalize the historic Al-Manshiyah neighborhood. This area has long been a social hub and a vibrant center for the people of Al-Ula. Holding the carnival in this specific location breathes new life into the old squares, connecting younger generations to their city's architectural and social history, and adding an emotional and historical dimension to the entertainment experience.
Winter at Tantora: The Broader Cultural Context
This carnival is part of the Winter at Tantora Festival, the first festival of its kind in the region celebrating heritage, culture, and music. The festival helps to highlight AlUla as a global destination, attracting visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad. The carnival reflects the Royal Commission for AlUla's commitment to providing a tourism product that balances preserving heritage with offering modern experiences that meet visitors' expectations.
Variety of events and local flavors
In addition to entertainment, the carnival features interactive workshops and craft stalls showcasing the skills of local artisans, supporting the local economy and introducing visitors to traditional industries. The experience is further enhanced by sampling authentic local cuisine in an open-air setting that reflects Saudi hospitality and the beauty of local culture. This combination offers visitors a unique opportunity to participate in seasonal traditions, reinforcing the presence of cultural and entertainment events as an integral part of the AlUla lifestyle and aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals of revitalizing cultural tourism.
