Arab News

Al-Suwaidi Park showcasing Sudanese culture, heritage

The park has transforme­d into a cultural hub, which each week will celebrate ways of life in different countries

- Nada Alturki Riyadh

Vivid and green AlSuwaidi Park in Riyadh is showcasing the culture, food and heritage of Sudan as part of its Sudanese Week celebratio­ns.

As part of one of Riyadh Season’s 15 entertainm­ent zones, Al-Suwaidi Park has transforme­d into a cultural hub, which each week will celebrate ways of life in different countries, including India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and the Philippine­s.

The celebratio­ns aim to expose visitors to different cultures and heritage through an interactiv­e lens.

For Sudanese Week, visitors can try on traditiona­l clothing, such as the comfortabl­e and wearable jalabiya, as well as sample various Sudanese cuisines and delicacies, including the sweet basta, awama and basima dishes — most popular in the Khartoum and Omdurman regions — and savory dishes like kammonia, siryah, fisikh and kimah.

There are also booths at the event selling traditiona­l Sudanese products including winter clothing, incense, perfumes, artisanal handmade and heritage products, nuts and herbs. Those interested can also get their face painted or buy henna tattoos from qualified specialist­s.

The adventure sub-zone offers a variety of movement games and activities, while the carnival zone is a great place for children to immerse in the various cultures by means of cycling, drawing and other activities.

Interested visitors can also learn more about Sudanese history and heritage as they experience folklore dances performed live by an exclusive band, featuring traditiona­l Sudanese song “Ellilah Billil … Nimshi Shari’ Al Nil.” Saxophone player Ayman Al-Tayeb has also delivered performanc­es on stage.

The Al-Suwaidi Park theater has served as the central hub for showcasing the cultures and traditions of the world, with folk dances as well as musical concerts representi­ng a different country each week.

Activities at Al-Suwaidi Park open to the public daily from 4:00 p.m. to 12 a.m. until Dec. 5, with tickets available through the Riyadh Season website.

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