As in previous editions, the festival also features workshops, portfolio reviews and photography exhibitions in several houses throughout the historical area to showcase the skills and imagination of talented photographers from around the region. — SG photo by Saleh Fareed Saleh Fareed Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — The Higher Organizing Committee of the 2nd Ramadan festival “Ramadanana Kida” (Our Ramdan Was Like This) has announced that an overwhelming attendance was recorded on the third day, with visitors exceeding 20,000. Mohammed Al-Waffi, deputy Jeddah governor and supervisor of the festival, attributed the massive attendance to the great diversity of attractions, reiterating that this year's edition is “outstanding” in every respect. This follows a highly successful grand opening ceremony on Friday that brought together Saudi citizens, residents and tourists representing all types of society with the attendance of Prince Sultan Bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities. Al-Waffi said: “Ramadanana Kida activities focus on consolidating heritage among children and visitors of all ages by exposing them to the Hijazi culture and traditions, folk art, crafts, and historical professions. “The festival days shine a light on Jeddah's roots and the beautiful and pure image of its past, showing new generations how their older family members once lived.” He added that the diversity in this year's festival has been the major factor in attracting visitors. Mahmoud Shaheen, who acts as a Hijazi teacher in front of visitors daily with his students, told Saudi Gazette that the festival gave men like him a chance to show the younger generation what it meant to be a good teacher. He said: “This was how we lived our life, working for our living. It was a simpler time and we really had to work to make a living.” “Those days in the past teachers used to be the major source of knowledge, the leader and educator of their students' school life but nowadays, things changed. “So, here at the festival I am trying to show how we used to educate our students.” The festival also features art shows that run through Ramadan. Admission is free and open to the public to enjoy and show support for the artists. Ayhab Al-Hadad, director of the artists corner, said: “This event is truly a festival because of the variety and high spirited energy of the art and the performances by Jeddah artists. “It's exciting for everyone involved because this is the one time during the year that some of the artists in Jeddah and other parts of Makkah region showcase their art initiatives at one time, in one place, to demonstrate how many of our young people are involved in the arts. It also offers a unique opportunity for the visitors to see and hear what these talented artists are doing.” He pointed that there are around 20 artists from various schools participating this year. “Young people have worked so hard for this event and it is wonderful to see such dedication and enthusiasm. I hope people from across the region will come along to enjoy the fantastic performances and show their support.” As in previous editions, the festival also features workshops, portfolio reviews and photography exhibitions in several houses throughout the historical area to showcase the skills and imagination of talented photographers from around the region. Bassam Al-Hamid, who has a passion for photography, said he is participating for the first time at the festival. He said: “It is a great experience and the festival gave me the opportunity to show my skills with the camera. “To see so many people come every night to check out our work is a great feeling. So, I strongly encourage anyone who's interested in photography to come out to such a festival and get involved.” “Ramadanana Kida” will run until Eid and features 50 cultural, heritage and entertainment activities with the participation of various government and private organizations to offer a distinct and integrated program that aims to provide visitors with a full picture of Hijazi heritage, which serves as a source of local pride for parents and grandparents.
