Kingdom’s culture, history celebrated in ‘Memory of the Land’

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has organized an event called “Memory of the Land,” which runs until Sunday in various regions of the Kingdom to commemorate Founding Day.
The event offers an immersive journey through the country’s rich history and cultural heritage and features interactive exhibitions, musical performances, and hands-on craft demonstrations that “bring historical narratives to life,” according to a report by the Saudi Press Agency.
In Qassim, a designated children’s zone offers engaging experiences to learn about the Kingdom’s history, while a family space includes “entertainment activities such as puzzles and exciting games,” according to the SPA.
The event also features musical performances, live performing arts displays, a food area catering to all age groups, and a craftsmen’s section supporting the Year of Handicrafts initiative.
It aims to showcase the Kingdom’s cultural heritage, revive the celebration of its founding, and enhance national awareness of its history.
In the Northern Borders region, there are exhibitions including interactive stations detailing significant developments that shaped the Saudi state.
The event fosters national awareness by recreating historical events, figures, and costumes while showcasing cultural heritage through a blend of traditional and modern styles, the SPA said.
The craftsmen’s area demonstrated artisans’ skills, offering visitors a glimpse into the Kingdom’s rich craft heritage, a children’s zone provided interactive history lessons, and there was also a family zone featuring puzzles and games.
In Najran, the event attracted a “remarkable” turnout of citizens and residents who “explored the establishment of the Saudi state through key historical, cultural, and heritage elements, notable figures, and traditional clothing,” the SPA reported.
Staged near King Abdulaziz Park, the event featured a range of activities inspired by Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural heritage. The craftsmen’s area was a highlight, showcasing traditional crafts including incense burners and Sadu weaving, as well as Al-Khous — a traditional weaving method using palm fronds that is an important part of Najran’s cultural and social heritage.
“The process involves cutting, washing, drying, and bundling the fronds before soaking them in water to soften them. They are then sewn together, shaped into fabric, and carefully trimmed to remove thorns. Once prepared, the fronds are colored and crafted into finished products,” the SPA explained.
In Jazan, residents expressed national pride through traditional attire, Saudi flags and symbols. Accompanied by their parents, children explored the event and learned about Saudi Arabia’s history, spanning over three centuries.
The event also featured a series of activities with a modern touch, inspired by Saudi Arabia’s natural and cultural elements.