Historic Jeddah celebrates Founding Day 2024 with heritage events
A national celebration with a historical flavor in the heart of Jeddah
In a unique national display, the alleyways and lanes of Historic Jeddah, known as Al-Balad and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, transformed into a vibrant work of art celebrating Saudi Arabia's founding day. Thousands of visitors—citizens, residents, and tourists—flocked to participate in these exceptional celebrations, recalling three centuries of pride and heritage since the establishment of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727.
Historical background: Founding day and its significance
Saudis celebrate their National Day on February 22nd each year, a day that symbolizes the deep historical and cultural roots of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This date marks the founding of the First Saudi State by Imam Muhammad bin Saud, with its capital in Diriyah, a pivotal moment in the history of the Arabian Peninsula that established a centralized state based on firm principles. The celebration of this occasion serves to reinforce pride in the historical roots of the state and the strong bond between its citizens and their leaders from its inception to the present day.
Historic Jeddah: An ideal stage that tells the story of a nation
The choice of Historic Jeddah as the venue for these major events was not arbitrary. The area stands as a living testament to the Kingdom's maritime, commercial, and cultural history. With its ancient buildings and exquisite wooden balconies overlooking its narrow alleyways, Al-Balad provided an ideal backdrop that transported visitors back to the authentic atmosphere of the past. The historical ambiance embodied in its famous markets, such as Souq Al-Alawi and Souq Al-Nada, blended with feelings of national pride, lending the celebrations a unique character that connects the present with a glorious past.
Details of the celebrations: Art displays and various events
The squares and alleyways of the area witnessed a remarkable influx of families and young people, all eager to wear traditional attire representing the Kingdom's diverse regions, in a scene embodying national unity and rich cultural diversity. The celebrations, distinguished by their professional organization, included a range of high-quality events that recreated traditional lifestyles, alongside artistic displays documenting the stages of Saudi Arabia's development. The historical buildings and structures were adorned with patriotic lighting, creating a unique harmony between light and stone, which revived the area's historical splendor amidst the warm welcome and enthusiastic participation of visitors.
The cultural and economic impact of the celebrations
The celebrations transcended their status as mere national occasions, becoming a rich educational and cultural experience for new generations, connecting them to their ancestors' history and the nation's leaders. Citizens affirmed that the youth's passion for the details of their history is living proof of the day's success. On the economic front, the events contributed to revitalizing local activity, with historical markets witnessing a surge in demand for handicrafts and traditional foods. This supported entrepreneurs and small business owners, reinforcing the position of Historic Jeddah as a global tourist and cultural destination, in line with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which links the rich past with a promising future.
