Eid event in Al-Jouf links young Saudis to ‘beautiful and glorious past’

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) in Al-Jouf organized special events for the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The festivities are being held on Sakaka city’s Al-Dhale’ heritage street.
“Sakaka Awal” will bring together different generations, an SCTH official was quoted as saying.
“The objective of the event is to link young generations to their beautiful and glorious past, and to preserve the popular heritage of the region, including food, traditional clothes, and songs that are usually performed on these occasions,” Yasser bin Ibrahim Al-Ali, SCTH director-general in Al-Jouf, said.
Eid Al-Fitr has a distinct flavor in Al-Jouf, which has traditions that set it apart from other parts of the Kingdom.
There is a custom called Al-Ada. Young people gather palm fronds one or two days before the festival. They assemble these into a pyramid-like form and set the structure alight in preparation for their evening games, which last until the second day of Eid.
There is also the tradition of Al-Khadhab night, when women and young girls wear traditional dresses and adorn their hands and faces with henna.
Another local custom is when neighbors gather for Eid prayers. They salute and kiss each other and share their food. Men and young boys gather for the traditional Saudi Al-Ardheh sword dance and play games.