The Flowerman Festival kicks off, celebrating Saudi's ancient tradition
Organised by the Saudi Ministry of Culture, the festival is held from September 13 to 27 in Rijal Almaa, an ancient village in the Asir region…
Meet the ‘flower men’ of Saudi Arabia.
These Qahtani men – a colourful tribe with deep roots – traditionally crown their heads with intricate arrangements of herbs, flowers, and grasses and live on the foothills of the Asir mountains in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
The colourful headpieces are worn for their aesthetics and what the tribe believes is their health-giving properties.
And now, their traditions are being shared with the world.
From September 13 to 27, the Ministry of Culture is organising the Flowerman Festival, an immersive event that includes various activities celebrating an ancient Saudi tradition from the southern Asir region.
The second edition of the Flowerman Festival 2021
This year’s festival celebrates the Asir region’s culture, customs, and traditions, with the theme “Nine Centuries of Glory”.
دعوة للتعرف على ثقافة رجال الطيب عبر فعاليات ثقافية متنوعة؛ تحتفي بخصال رجال ألمع ومكانة المرأة الألمعية وحصن رُجال التراثي.#مهرجان_رجال_الطيب#وزارة_الثقافة
— وزارة الثقافة (@MOCSaudi) September 12, 2021
There will be various activities taking place at two locations: the village of Rijal Almaa and Al-Soudah Park.
The celebration features three main aspects of the flower men culture. The first being “Flower Men and Determination”, which will focus on the qualities of Rijal Almaa, reflected in many symbols, names, pieces of art, and stories.
The second event, titled “Women of Almaa,” highlights the status of the brilliant women who have contributed through art and distinguished initiatives in preserving the region’s heritage.
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The third is “Rijal’s Fort,” which highlights the design and architecture of Rijal Almaa.
In addition, the festival will provide visitors with an immersive and interactive experience of the history of the flower men through an open-air museum and live folklore performances at the main theatre.
Flowerman Festival, Rijal Almaa & Al-Soudah Park, Asir, September 13 to 27, 2021, 4pm to 11pm. Buy tickets here.
Images: Social Media