Saudi Founding Day Fireworks: Where To Watch and How To Celebrate The Long Weekend
From Riyadh to Jeddah The Kingdom is set to celebrate with a 3-day long weekend
Residents are going to enjoy a day off on the occasion and the holiday will set up a long weekend, as the kingdom’s weekend spans from Friday and Saturday.
In 2022, Saudi Arabia officially announced February 22 as a national holiday to celebrate the Saudi Founding Day as per a royal order issued by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The occasion commemorates the founding of the first Saudi state in Arabia.
Saudi Founding Day Fireworks: Where To Watch and How To Celebrate The Long Weekend
Across the kingdom, fireworks are expected to take place. Here are some of the locations you could flock to and enjoy the displays (timings TBA.)
Riyadh
In the country’s capital Riyadh, Boulevard City will have a fireworks show. Timings of the shows are yet to be announced.
Dammam Corniche
If you are in Dammam city, head to the Dammam Corniche.
Al Bahah City
If you’re in Al Bahah city in the Baljurashi province, visit the gardens.
Najran
Prince Hathloul bin Abdul Aziz Sport City in Najran city is also set to have a fireworks display.
Jeddah
Those celebrating KSA national day can make their way down to the Jeddah Corniche to see the night sky lit up with fireworks.
Al Khobar
Khobar Corniche will also be hosting a fireworks display.
Tabuk Province
As for people in the Tabuk region, they can head to Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Park to watch fireworks.
Saudi Arabia’s History Will Be The Main Focus During The Celebrations
Besides fireworks, the country is going to come together to mark the occasion with performances and parades.
According to the Saudi Gazette, the Abu Bakr Salem Stage in Riyadh’s Boulevard City is hosting The Foundation Nights on February 21-22, offering a journey through time with poetry and musical performances.
Also at the same venue, the Symphony of the Beginning will take place on February 25-26, featuring performances by renowned Saudi poets and the National Orchestra.
The History Walk, a parade showcasing 19 scenes that narrate Saudi Arabia’s history from 1727 to present day, is set to be held on February 23-24, from 18:00 to midnight.
People can also visit The Founding Village display set up in 14 cities and governorates across the country from February 22-24, including Jeddah, Jazan, Madinah, Al Qassim, Taif, Abha, Al Ahsa, Sakaka, Albaha, Najran, Dammam, Arar, Tabuk and Hail.
The exhibition features innovative displays highlighting traditional crafts, taking visitors through a journey of 300 years of history. Children will also be able to enjoy immersive installations and learn about Saudi culture.
One of the other ways to celebrate the founding day of the kingdom includes visits to iconic spots such as the Diriyah City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see the origins of the Al Saud family.
How Saudis Mark the Occasion: Traditional Dances, Food and More
Folklore dances accompanied by traditional songs are an integral part of Saudi culture and are often performed to mark national celebrations.
Saudi Ardah is one of the oldest and most popular traditional dances still performed to this day.
In the past, men performed this dance to welcome those who returned victorious from wars. Today, Ardah is performed on the Founding Day as well as other celebrations to exhibit a sense of pride and unity among the community.
It is common to cook and serve traditional food and desserts on the day. Saudi coffee with hints of saffron and cardamom, which is served with sweets, is enjoyed on national holidays.
Founding Day is an excellent opportunity to also try other Saudi delicacies such as jareesh, which is a dish made from ground wheat and cooked with laban and meat then decorated with caramelised onions and dried limes.
Lead image courtesy Giphy