Historic Jeddah Season opens to celebrate Jeddah’s unique history, art, food, and cultural heritage

In line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan to transform the tourism and hospitality sector within Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTNH) in partnership with key public sector organizations, is hosting the inaugural Historic Jeddah Season in Al Balad district of Jeddah. The festival opened on the 8thJune 2019 and will run for six weeks until July 18, 2019.

The Historic Jeddah Season is a street celebration of the Historic Center of the city, where art, technology and a unique visual journey to enhance the visitors’ experience, immersing their senses in the rich history of the Historic Jeddah and the decades of heritage through its five key offerings – art, culture, food, entertainment and retail experiences. 

The first edition of the Historic Jeddah Season celebrates the unique culture and heritage of Jeddah and is appropriately housed in the Al Balad district of Jeddah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and which has historically served as a gateway to Saudi Arabia. The HJS will not only showcase installations, artworks, sculptures and photographs that capture the most significant developments in the growth and evolution of Jeddah, it will also bring together some of the best talent from across Saudi Arabia and beyond who will put together unique events and activations as part of the Season’s activities. This is how Historic Jeddah Season becomes one of the most eminent events on the social calendar of Jeddah. 

Some of the key activities that visitors can enjoy at the Historic Jeddah include: 21’39 events that ranges from Art exhibitions, street performances and art installations., Crosswalks, an art intervention by celebrated artist Cruz Diez, who will be recreating the paths within the Al Balad district using art elements where members of the public can also join in completing the art work; Mammafotogramma, wherein projections will be made on a Floating Structure;; as well as an Art Auction by Christie’s, which is famed around the world for exhibiting extraordinary art, unparalleled service, expertise and global reach. 

“A surprise in every corner” means that Visitors are able to enjoy some of the best food and beverage experiences in the city, with various world cuisines on offer. One can also experience entertaining stunts by Building Walkers, a group of internationally renowned performing artists. The Historic Jeddah season has put together an exciting lineup of family entertainment activities in partnership with Art Jameel and Zawia 97, who will be hosting exhibitions and workshops throughout the festival.