Children in Jeddah celebrate Founding Day 2024 in traditional Saudi dress
In a scene brimming with joy and pride, the event venues of Jeddah transformed into a vibrant work of art, with the city's children as the stars, enthusiastically participating in the Founding Day celebrations. The youngsters donned traditional Saudi attire, embodying a living image of national identity proudly passed down from generation to generation, and celebrating a nation's three-century-long history.
The venues designated for the celebration were adorned with the colorful robes, cloaks, and headbands worn by the boys, while the girls shone in elegantly embroidered traditional attire, creating a scene that reflected the deep connection of the younger generation to their nation's history and their pride in its enduring roots. These garments were not merely fashions, but symbols that told a story of the authenticity and heritage that distinguishes each region of the Kingdom.
Founding Day: A Window into a Rich History
Saudis celebrate National Day on February 22nd each year, a date that commemorates the founding of the first Saudi state by Imam Muhammad bin Saud in 1727. This day, established by royal decree in 2022, is not only a historical occasion but also a celebration of the deep historical and cultural heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The commemoration marks the moment when Diriyah became the capital of the first Saudi state, the starting point for centuries of unity and stability, and the precursor to the establishment of the second Saudi state and, ultimately, the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Instilling national identity in the hearts of new generations
The children's presence wasn't limited to the festive atmosphere; it extended to their participation in interactive corners designed specifically for them. The art corner witnessed a large turnout of youngsters who busied themselves coloring and drawing the emblems of Founding Day, drawing inspiration from its symbols and historical significance. Their small canvases became a space for free expression of belonging, through colors that conveyed meanings of unity, steadfastness, and pride. In the henna corner, children lined up to have the symbol of the two swords and palm tree painted on their hands, a clear indication of their pride in the national symbolism embodied by the Kingdom's emblem, which combines strength and growth.
More than just a celebration: cultural and social dimensions
This remarkable participation of children underscores that Founding Day is not merely a public holiday, but an educational and cultural opportunity to strengthen national identity in the hearts of new generations. Through activities that combine entertainment and knowledge, the past is linked to the present in an atmosphere brimming with pride and belonging. Seeing children participating with such spontaneity and enthusiasm reflects an early awareness among the younger generation of the significance of the national symbol, embodies the journey of a nation founded on determination and unity, and affirms that celebrating history is the best way to build a bright and promising future, in line with the goals of Vision 2030 to preserve and enhance cultural and national heritage.
