Third Qemam Festival set to showcase performing arts from mountainous regions around the world

The third annual Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts will begin in Asir region on Jan. 20 and continue until Jan. 27. The event, organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, will include 45 local and international groups practicing 40 forms of performing arts from Saudi Arabia and around the world, showcasing the beauty of traditional arts.

Highlights of this year’s festival will include opening and closing ceremonies at King Khalid University Theater in Abha, and two parades along Prince Sultan Road in Khamis Mushayt during which 20 Saudi performing arts groups from seven regions of the Kingdom will perform alongside 25 international groups wearing mountain-inspired costumes.

In addition, a diverse cultural program at Abha Literary Club will include interactive seminars and workshops on traditional mountain arts, professions and clothes. Visitors will also have a chance to learn about artistic pursuits unique to the region, such as local forms of sculpting and the traditional art of Sadu weaving.

The festival aims to attract international performing arts groups from mountainous regions, raise awareness about mountain arts and traditions, and promote the culture of Asir region by creating jobs in the theater and performing arts sector, organizers said.

Performances and exhibitions of traditional performing arts will take place daily at eight historically significant heritage sites: Al-Qabel Market, Shamsan Castle, Ben Adwan Heritage Village, Malik Palace, Al-Mushayt Palace, Al-Abu Sarah Palaces, Abu Noghta Al-Mathami Castles, and Bin Hamsan Village.

In addition, stalls will offer traditional food and crafts, and there will be souvenir gift shops that reflect the cultural heritage of Asir.

For younger visitors, the festival will include craft activities and workshops for children, and a booth at which they can dress up in traditional forms of mountain dress and have a photo taken.

The Theater and Performing Arts Commission said that the festival is in line with the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to advancing international cultural exchanges, which is a strategic goal of the Saudi Vision 2030 national development and diversification plan.