Many in Baha have packed their bags to head to Al-Makhwa Governorate to enjoy its fine weather and its festival entitled “Our spring is beautiful”. It is a meeting place of several valleys and the capital of part of Tihama. It is inhabited by 70,000 people. Agriculture is the main profession in Al-Makhwa because it is on the edge of a number of valleys. It has rich and fertile soil and underground water. It has fruit farms producing oranges, bananas, mangos, lemons and mandarins. It also produces all types of vegetables, maize and bulrush millet. There are several ancient forts and villages in the area. One of its famous villages is Zee Al-Ainain which is known for its greenery and magnificent views. It also has Ashm Village which is rich in mineral deposits and has inscriptions dating back to the earliest years of Islam. Al-Makhwa has a busy business center situated between Al-Baha City and Al-Qunfudha Governorate, and many traditional markets which open from Monday afternoon until Tuesday evening. Shoppers can get cereals, dates, goats and other needs there. There are four main areas: In the north there is the archeological village of Zee Al-Ainain and Maleel Valley which is covered with fine white sand. In the west there is Wadi Nawan and Jabl Chada, where there are thousands of farms which constitute the region's food basket, while in the south there are many parks. In the east there is Wadi Daiyan which ends at Hazna Historical Mountains. Over 40 arts-and-crafts families are participating in the festival, selling various handmade products including traditional food and textiles typical of the Al-Baha region. The aim is for the families to earn a living with their trades and to highlight the local culture.
