WINTER AT TANTORA IS COMING: ALULA MOMENTS ANNOUNCES FLAGSHIP FESTIVAL RETURN DATE
The Voice of Chandigarh :
AlUla Moments has announced exciting details surrounding Winter at Tantora, the region’s longest-running culture, art, and music festival which returns with its sure-to-be-exceptional fifth edition next month.
Running from December 21 until January 27, Winter at Tantora will once again celebrate the very best AlUla has to offer, welcoming cultural explorers, entertainment enthusiasts, fashion admirers, music fans, sports fanatics, and nature lovers for a month-long extravaganza like no other.
As always, the flagship festival presents a world-class program of activities, activations, and events – catering to diverse audiences with immersive experiences and premium performances for everyone to enjoy. What’s more, visitors can expect six themed weekends to explore the wonders within AlUla as the ancient city transforms into a vibrant winter destination against the backdrop of stunning desert landscapes.
“Winter at Tantora 2023/24 is destined to be the biggest, best, and most memorable yet and we’re excited to announce its new activities,” said Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing at the Royal Commission for AlUla. “Being the longest-running festival of its kind in the Middle East is a testament to its enduring popularity with audiences. Every year, we bring fan-favorite features together with intriguing new additions; and every year, the festival evolves and continues its legacy as the ultimate culture, art, and music spectacle.”
“This time around will be no different; we’re certain that visitors will love and appreciate what’s in store. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to ensure this edition goes above and beyond anything that’s been seen before. Winter at Tantora can only be described as ‘must visit’ and we can’t wait to welcome everyone next month.”
The Festival will be kicked off by the immersive Tantora Celebrations. Running from 22-31 December, the Tantora Celebrations takes root in this generations-old cultural event, where AlUla’s winter planting season is initiated by the shadow cast by a sundial in the AlUla Old Town. Also launching on the opening weekend and running until January 21, 2024 is Tales After Dark, an exclusive after dark series where visitors experience different light projection shows in four locations across AlUla.
Other highlighted events during the festival’s opening weeks will be the Shorfat AlJadidah concert taking place during the first two weekends across consecutive nights on 21-22 and 28-29 December. Giving a unique second-floor stage to The Saudi National Music Band, Shorfat AlJadidah will have traditional cultural music spouting from the rooftops as part of a lofted concert. Musicians will ‘speak’ to one another in a unique and playful way with melding covers of famous Saudi music, traditional opera, and Arab classics.
The Jamil and Bouthaina Musical is also amongst the opening weekend’s headline events. The musical will showcase the poems and stories of Jamil and his love for Bouthayna in an enchanting live performance at Maraya. Returning for a second time to AlUla, the production was met with unanimous audience acclaim in 2020. History is sure to repeat itself on December 22 with the winning combination of fantastic production crew and a fabulous cast of actors, dancers, and signers. The production will be staged with support from the Caracalla Dance Theatre, the most prominent professional dance company in the Middle East, with the rising music star Zena Emad performing as the opening act.
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo is another festival mainstay returning from 15-20 January 2024. AlUla is a world-class equestrian destination and this unique event is the world’s only modern polo tournament to be staged in a desert environment as the best players on the planet compete in the most unique polo location. This edition of the event will bring together equestrian enthusiasts, premium partners and visitors for a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed.
AlUla Moments has also confirmed that the AlUla Trail Race will be back to challenge international athletes, amateur runners, and children alike. From a 100km ultramarathon, a 50km marathon, a 25km half marathon, a 10km fun run, and a 1.4km kids’ race, there is something for everyone as part of this engaging and inclusive sporting event. The AlUla Trail Race takes place from 11-12 January, 2024 and everyone interested in joining can register here.
The closing weekend of the Winter at Tantora festival will feature a fashion show to showcase collections from 2 international brands from the world of fashion: Givenchy and Tiffany & Co., as well as a number of activations that offer immersive experiences in the world of fashion and much more.
Additionally, the festival will coincide with the ongoing AlUla Moments concert series. Performing on December 29 is Majida El Roumi, the Lebanese renowned singer who has been an ever-present figure on the regional scene since the 1970s. With a cherished discography spanning classic Arab hits, Lebanese folk songs, religious hymns, and patriotic anthems, Majida’s albums have been highly successful commercially and critically.
Looking further ahead to 2024, Saudi musician, singer, and composer Dr. Abadi Al Johar is another star set to perform – on Friday, January 12. One of the most popular Khaleeji singers in the Gulf, Dr. Al Johar has composed around 50 albums since he began his musical career in 1968. own compositions and hits such as ‘Awazel’ and ‘Eyaunek’.
From mesmerising arts, authentic culture, and culinary flavors to ancient culture, dreamy sounds, geology wonders, and much more, Winter at Tantora is the only festival in town over the holiday season and into the new year.
Further news and updates will follow in the coming weeks. For more information and to explore the full AlUla Moments calendar of events, please visit the Experience AlUla website.
