Saleh Fareed

Saudi Gazette

 

EMBOLDENED by successful organization of the recent Jeddah Historic Festival under the theme “We were like that,” the organizers are planning to host a new festival called “Our Ramadan was like that” in the city’s Historical Area.



The festival, starting Ramadan 1 and to continue till the 4th day of the Eid Al-Fitr holidays, aims to revive the lost and forgotten norms and traditions associated with Hijaz during the fasting month of Ramadan.



“Many ancient Ramadan traditions have faded with time and since the fasting month this year is coinciding with summer vacation, many people are on the lookout for the best entertainment options for local Jeddahwis, visitors to the city, expatriates and tourists. So, we thought of a festival to bring the traditions and habits of our old generations,” said Zaki A. Hasanain, organizer of the event.



He pointed out that the festival aims to introduce the new generations to the people’s diaries of the Jeddah Historic Area in the past and their daily lives during the holy month.



About 27 traditional, cultural and educational Ramadan activities as well as stalls of balilah, fried liver and other famous Ramadan dishes will also be organized at the event. The 34-day festival will highlight the Hijazi culture in Ramadan in a dynamic and entertaining way.



“This cultural meeting aims to introduce the youth to the traditions and customs practiced during Ramadan years back by Jeddah residents (Hijazis),” Hasanain said.



The organizing committee headed by Prince Mishal Bin Majed, Governor of Jeddah, is trying to create a friendly atmosphere to help retrieve the old sense of Ramadan. “They are assembling public councils commonly known as Al-Mirkaz. Other attempts include providing old and new games where people of different age can enjoy,” he said.



“We are aiming to revive the old habits and tradition of Ramadan because Ramadan in Saudi Arabia used to be a different experience altogether. Some of the old-age customs have disappeared and through this festival we are attempting to restore them in the Historical Area of Jeddah,” he said.



Traditions such as having men known as the Al-Musaharati (who are responsible for awakening people late at night for suhoor), hanging lanterns in the streets, mayoral meetings, and special Ramadan dishes have all but disappeared, he added.



The main festival “We Were Like That” received around 75,000 visitors in just 10 days. Therefore, Hasanain expects Ramadan and Eid festivals to attract more than 100,000 local and expatriate visitors.”



In response to UNESCO’s declaration of selecting the Jeddah Historical Area as a World Heritage site, he said: “The transformation of Jeddah Historical Area from local to the international level is a big achievement for Saudi Arabia and we feel proud of it. With such an international recognition, we have to work hard all year to organize more events here in order to keep visitors coming to this important national landmark.”



He emphasized the importance of such festivals to create awareness and educate people including younger generations on the rich history of Hijaz.