Olé, Saudi Arabia. Ithra unveils an 18-day Spanish cultural takeover
From flamenco to film, Ithra transforms into a vibrant celebration of Spanish culture
If your idea of the perfect day includes live music, great food, and a cultural adventure, Ithra has your calendar covered.
The King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra) is bringing the spirit of Spain to Saudi Arabia with this year’s Ithra Cultural Days, running from Monday January 12 to Saturday January 31.
Under the theme ‘Live Spain’, the immersive programme activates every corner of Ithra, inviting visitors to explore performances, exhibitions, films, and culinary experiences – all in one visit.
Start off at the Plaza before moving on to the Museum, the Theatre, the Lush Garden, the Library, followed by the Idea Lab, the Cinema, the Children’s Museum, and finally, the Energy Exhibit and Ithra Tower. Each area features exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports, alongside Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
A standout of the programme is the live performances, with daily shows across multiple stages, including the Theatre and Lush Garden. Think colourful Spanish parades, flamenco-inspired acts, and roaming performers.
The programme also showcases larger-scale productions, including a show-stopping rendition of Carmen, a highlight of Ithra’s theatre line-up.
Cinema lovers can dive into a curated selection of Spanish short and feature films, with post-screening discussions providing deeper cultural insights. Meanwhile, talks and sessions in the Idea Lab and Library delve into architecture, literature, and creative practice, enhancing the experience beyond visual and auditory elements.
You can also participate in hands-on workshops exploring Spanish crafts, design, and culinary traditions, while a dedicated children’s programme keeps younger audiences engaged through storytelling, creative workshops, and performances.
Foodies will also find plenty to enjoy, as culinary activations and outdoor markets showcase the social and flavoursome side of Spain at Ithra’s public spaces.
Oh, and don’t miss the Opening Ceremony on Monday January 12 at 7.30pm, which kicks off the festivities with a lively, colourful show at the Lush Garden. A specially choreographed performance showcases Spain’s character and rich cultural heritage to life, setting the perfect tone for 18 days of music, food, art, and unforgettable experiences at Ithra.
Spanish Cultural Days forms part of Ithra’s annual Cultural Days program, following previous editions such as Japan Cultural Days, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in 2025.
Location: The King Abdulaziz Centre for World Culture (Ithra), 8386 Ring Rd, Gharb Al Dhahran, Dhahran 34461
Timings: Jan 12 to 31, 4pm to 11pm
Cost: Workshops start at SAR35. Book your spot here.
Images: Supplied
