By Charmain D. Ford
The annual event featured heritage activities, handmade crafts and souvenirs, and, of course, plenty of dates.
Traditional activities such as this demonstration of the Ardah sword dance provided visitors with plenty to take in at the popular al-Hasa Date Festival.
Aramco Community Services recently arranged several buses for groups of company employees and their families to visit the historical date festival in the ancient city of al-Hasa. The festival celebrates the date fruit, which has played an important role in the region's culture and economy for centuries.
Nestled beneath the historic Al Qarah Mountain in the distance, al-Hasa is known for its lush palm groves and fertile soil, making it a center for agriculture and trade since ancient times. Upon arriving at the festival, the Aramco groups followed the crowd to the bustling market in a magnificent tent-like structure.
Booths and stalls lined the tent, offering various tea, coffee, dates and date products, including sweets, jams, honey, ice cream, and spreads. Vendors in traditional clothing sold handmade crafts and souvenirs, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Aramcons from Ras Tanura get in the swing of things at the always-popular al-Hasa Date Festival.
The group indulged in sampling the delicious dates, many of which were grown locally in al-Hasa's palm groves. They also had the opportunity to witness traditional dances and music, and even participate in some of the activities. The festival was a vibrant celebration of the region's cultural heritage.
Food vendors and trucks lined the courtyards of the vicinity as well as live entertainment. The Al Hasa date festival was an incredible display of local culture and tradition.
The historical date festival was an incredible experience; several individuals are already looking forward to next year's event.
About The Al-hasa Date Festival
The date festival in Al-Hasa has a long and storied history. The event dates back to the 15th century when it served as a way for locals to celebrate the harvest of dates from the date palm trees in the region. The festival has since evolved to become a popular tourist attraction, with locals and travelers coming to experience the unique culture and traditions of the region.
— The Arabian Sun: March 05, 2023