Ibrahim Alawi

Okaz/Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH —  Over a million visitors are expected at the 10-day Jeddah Historical Festival which will kick off on Wednesday.



Prince Mishaal Bin Majed, Jeddah governor who is also the head of the festival’s higher committee, said the festival will have 89 different activities and segments.



“Old Jeddah is a UNESCO world heritage site. It has a history which is over 3,000 years old. The festival aims to remind the people of Jeddah about their heritage and revive the traditions of yore. We hope that the people of Jeddah will appreciate their past and maintain it after the festival is over,” said Prince Mishaal.



He said the festival has four main segments depicting the town’s heritage. The first segment is the market, where visitors can shop at the famous Qabil Street and have a chance to win at a raffle.



The second segment is the history of the town, where visitors can tour through the town and witness first-hand some of the sports children used to play on the streets.



The third segment is the culture of Old Jeddah. There will be around 11 different cultural activities from museums and paintings to lectures and poetry nights in the Naseef House yard.



The fourth segment is entertainment in Old Jeddah, which will consists of 15 different activities, plays, comedy shows, and vintage cars exhibition. The festival will also showcase four paintings reflecting the people of Jeddah and their relation to Old Jeddah.



The first painting depicts the vibrant social life Old Jeddah had and the bond between its residents.



The second painting depicts Old Jeddah as a deserted lonely town that was forsaken by its own people and forgotten by the new generation.



The third painting depicts the new generation going back to Old Jeddah to revive its spirit and mend the broken bonds.



The fourth painting depicts Old Jeddah as the lively and happy town it used to be.