The Najrani Heritage Festival 2 concluded with great success and remarkable attendance
the "Najrani Artistic Heritage" festival on Sunday evening. The five-day event, held in the courtyard of the historic Emirate Palace in the Aba Al-Saud neighborhood, was a prominent cultural and social event, blending the charm of the past with the vibrancy of the present, and attracting a large audience and enthusiastic participation from residents and visitors alike.
Diverse activities and a large audience
The festival grounds witnessed a surge in visitors, exceeding 5,000, who flocked to enjoy a diverse range of activities designed to appeal to all segments of society. These activities included live cooking demonstrations of the popular "Raqsh" dish, stalls selling local products, and exhibitions of handicrafts showcasing the skill of the people of Najran.
More than 23 local families showcased their products, adding significant economic and social value to the event. The festival also included entertainment, featuring a children's and family theater, traditional games areas, various heritage activities, a traditional Najran tent, winter seating areas offering a warm atmosphere for visitors, cultural competitions, and a unique classic car show.
The Raqsh: A symbol of generosity and Najrani heritage
This festival is organized to celebrate "Raqsh," one of the most popular traditional dishes in the Najran region and Saudi Arabia in general. This dish is distinguished by its nutritional value and its close association with occasions of generosity and hospitality in the region. The festival aims to preserve this authentic culinary heritage and introduce new generations and visitors to its traditional preparation methods, thus contributing to documenting the region's food culture as an integral part of national identity.
Revitalizing the historic area and supporting the local economy
The Mayor of Najran, Engineer Saleh Al-Ghamdi, confirmed that the festival will be established as an annual event, noting its strategic objectives that extend beyond mere entertainment. The festival aims to stimulate economic and commercial activity and support productive families and artisans by providing effective marketing platforms for their products.
Furthermore, the festival plays a pivotal role in highlighting the historic district of Aba Al-Saud and solidifying its position as a major tourist destination. This aligns with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to promote heritage tourism, as the historic Emirate Palace and the surrounding markets stand as living testaments to Najran's rich history. Holding such events makes them an effective way to revitalize archaeological sites and attract tourists from within the Kingdom and abroad.
