The Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts
Festival is launched by the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission in seven locations in Asir
Riyadh – Asdafnew.com:
The second iteration of the Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts, organized by the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission, began today (Friday, January 20, 2023) in seven locations throughout the Asir region. The Theater and Performing Arts Commission is in charge of organizing the event, which runs until January 27.
The festival features a sizable, exciting carnival procession on Art Street in Abha where participants’ national costumes, folk acts, and songs are displayed on gorgeously painted floats. In addition to the 14 foreign folk bands, 16 Saudi folk bands will perform at this year’s event, where they will showcase 32 national and international mountain performing arts.
On this occasion, CEO of Theater and Performing Arts Commission, Sultan Al-Bazie confirmed that “Qemam” is the first global festival dedicated to mountain performing arts, that also promotes and introduces the heritage and archaeological sites in Asir, such as Basta Al-Qabil, Abu Shahra Palace in Al-Masqi, Shamsan Castle, Bin Adwan Heritage Village, Malik Historical Palace, Al-Mushait Palaces, the Castles of Abu Nuqata Al-Mutahmi.
Al-Bazie added that the festival visitors will be introduced to young talents through a variety of musical and art performing shows with the participation of the folk bands. It includes cultural activities that are not usually found in modern cities, such as the storytellers, village weddings and celebration rituals and the special traditional food.
The goals of the Qemam Festival are to improve the quality of life and develop the cultural sector, which is in line with the goals of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Culture. The festival also aims to highlight the rich folklore and heritage of the kingdom and contribute to the development of the theater and performing arts sector. It also celebrates these goals in a distinctive festive atmosphere.
Al-Bazie further said that this festival builds on the success achieved by the first edition. It raises the level of awareness of the local and international arts and ancient heritage. It is an opportunity for visitors to explore the history, arts, styles, and performances of these arts. He added that these arts and folk heritage are what brings people together, which is the main message of the festival besides strengthening the cultural position of the kingdom globally.
Through seminars and workshops regarding folk performing arts with the participation of Saudi and foreign specialists, the Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts will deliver an inspiring cultural program in partnership with the Abha Literary Club. Each festival location will offer a number of events in designated spaces, including a costume and theatrical exhibition, village folk activities, live music stages, children’s sections, craftsmen shops, and a range of businesses selling various commodities, presents, trendy clothing, and souvenirs. There will be live cooking demonstrations by well-known regional chefs, as well as a marketplace for regional foods and small, family-run enterprises.
Visitors will have the chance to partake in mountain sports including hiking, mountain biking, and camping throughout the event; these activities will be coordinated with regional tourism businesses.
The festival events are open to visitors every day from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.–SPA
