As one of the traditional festivals of Saudi Arabia, the ‘Flowerman Festival’ begins, the Ministry of Culture has completed preparations for the second edition of the Flowerman Festival in Rijal Almaa, Asir region.

The festival which will go on till September 27, will celebrate the region’s culture, customs, and traditions under the slogan ‘Nine Centuries of Glory.’

The festival takes place in Rijal Almaa village in Saudi Arabia celebrates the ancient tradition of wearing garlands, decorative wreaths of flowers, and leaves that can be worn as headdresses or around the neck.

The event also showcases some of the village’s most important customs dating back to the 1950s, including regional folklore dances and the colourful murals local women paint on the walls of their homes.

This year, the festival has been categorised into three sections that deal with the flower men culture. The first one ‘Flower Men and Determination’, will focus on the qualities of Rijal Almaa, reflected in many symbols, names, pieces of art, and stories.

The second one ‘Women of Almaa’ will highlight the works and status of women who have contributed through art and renowned initiatives in preserving the heritage of the region.

The third track, ‘Rijal’s Fort’ will highlight the design and architecture of the village of Rijal, which made it a distinctive symbol of world heritage architecture.

The Ministry of Culture will present various activities in two main locations of Rijal and Al-Soudah Park, wherein folklore performances in the main theater with a 360-degree design will take place. The show aims to bring an immersive and interactive experience for visitors.

The festival will also have projection shows filled with technical and visual elements to convey and tell the stories of Rijal. Additionally, the festival will offer a unique experience of Asiri cuisine and a heritage market for the visitors to see the crafts presented by some pioneer practitioners.

The first edition of the festival took place in 2019, where it focused on the types of roses, flowers, folk performances, folkloric bands for the Asir region, and the light projection on the Alwan Fort.