Winter at Tantora is coming: Here’s what to expect at AlUla Moments’ flagship festival
The fifth edition of Winter at Tantora will be bigger and better than previous editions…
Get ready for the return of Winter at Tantora, the region’s longest-running culture, art, and music festival in AlUla.
Running from Thursday December 21, 2023 to Saturday January 27, 2024, Winter at Tantora will once again celebrate the very best AlUla has to offer – from mesmerising arts, authentic culture, and culinary flavours to dreamy sounds, geology wonders, and much more.
View this post on Instagram
Part of AlUla Moments, the flagship festival will take place over the course of six weekends themed around art, culture, nature, and wellness, among others. Here’s what to expect when Winter at Tantora returns for its fifth season next month.
December 22 to 31: Tantora Celebrations
Kicking off the festival is the immersive Tantora Celebrations. The heart of Winter at Tantora, this 10-day event transforms part of Old Town into a hive of activity, discovery and celebrations heralding the winter planting season – a tradition that goes back many generations.
December 22 to January 21: Tales After Dark
Also launching on the opening weekend is an exclusive after-dark series, where visitors experience different light projection shows in four locations across AlUla.
December 21 to 22 & December 28 to 29: Shorfat AlJadidah Concert
Returning for a second edition, this wonderfully innovative musical experience transforms balconies into stages with top musicians performing for the audiences below. Playing the first weekend is the beloved Saudi National Orchestra and the Egyptian Choir Rouh Al Sharq on the second. You can look forward to melding covers of famous Saudi music, traditional opera, and Arab classics.
December 22: Jamil & Bouthayna Musical
Enjoy an outstanding theatrical performance of the Jamil & Bouthayna Musical, a heart-touching tale of timeless love. Returning for the second time to AlUla, the Caracalla Dance Theatre production will be staged at Maraya, with the rising music star Zena Emad performing as the opening act.
December 29: Majida El Roumi Concert
The festival will coincide with the ongoing AlUla Moments concert series. Performing on December 29 is Majida El Roumi, the renowned Lebanese singer who has been an ever-present figure on the regional scene since the 1970s. With a cherished discography spanning classic Arab hits, Lebanese folk songs, religious hymns, and patriotic anthems, Majida’s albums have been highly successful commercially and critically.
January 11 to 12: AlUla Trail Race
On your marks for the AlUla Trail Race. This epic event takes runners through stunning desert landscapes and past some of AlUla’s iconic landmarks. From an ultramarathon to a run for kids, there are also routes for participants of all ages and levels. Those interested in joining can register here.
January 12: Dr. Abadi Al Johar Concert
Saudi musician, singer, and composer Dr. Abadi Al Johar is another star set to perform at Maraya. One of the most popular Khaleeji singers in the Gulf, Dr. Al Johar has composed around 50 albums, with hits such as ‘Awazel’ and ‘Eyaunek’, since he began his musical career in 1968. own compositions and.
January 17 to 20, 2024: Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo
The world’s first modern polo tournament set on a one-of-a-kind desert sand pitch returns for a fabulous third edition. Attracting noteworthy polo players and celebrity audiences from the region and around the globe, this year’s edition will be bigger than ever. Experience luxury hospitality in a lively setting, with AlUla’s spectacular scenery as the backdrop, as well as lounge access, entertainment, and more to look forward to.
AlUla Fashion Show
The closing weekend of the Winter at Tantora festival will feature a fashion show to showcase collections from two international brands – Givenchy and Tiffany & Co. – as well as a number of activations that offer immersive experiences in the world of fashion and much more.
“Winter at Tantora 2023/24 is destined to be the biggest, best, and most memorable yet, and we’re excited to announce its new activities,” said Rami AlMoallim, vice president of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla. “Every year, we bring fan-favourite features together with intriguing new additions, and every year, the festival evolves and continues its legacy as the ultimate culture, art, and music spectacle.”
“This time around will be no different; we’re certain that visitors will love and appreciate what’s in store. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to ensure this edition goes above and beyond anything that’s been seen before. Winter at Tantora can only be described as a ‘must visit’, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone next month.”
Visit: @alulamoments
Images: Provided