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<TITLE>Jenadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival</TITLE>
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<CENTER><B><I>Jenadriyah Heritage and Cultural Festival</I></B></CENTER>
<P><B><I><BR>In 1985, the first Saudi National Heritage
and Cultural Festival was held at Jenadriyah near Riyadh. The annual event,
organized by the National Guard under the patronage of the King, epitomizes
Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving and exploring its cultural heritage.
For two weeks out of the year, the festival provides more than a million
Saudi's with a glimpse into the past. A traditional camel race opens the
festival, which emcompasses almost every aspect of Saudi Arabia's culture
and heritage. Artisans, such as potters, woodworkers and weavers demonstrate
their traditional crafts in small shops with typical palm-frond-roofed
porches. A permanent heritage village has now been erected at Jenadriyah.</BR></I></B></P>
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<P><B><I><BR>During the course of the festival, folklore
troupes perform the ardha and other national dances, while singers from
around the Kingdom perform traditional songs and music. Literary figures
from across the country participate in poetry competitions between contemporary
poets reciting historic verses.</BR></I></B></P>
<P ALIGN="center"><FONT SIZE="2" FACE="arial">Return to<B><A
HREF="index.htm">Saudi Arabian GenWeb</A></B></FONT></P>
<CENTER>Source: Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Washington, DC</CENTER>
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