‘Flowerman Festival’ in Saudi Arabia celebrates an ancient tradition

Hundreds of people are gathering in the village of Rijal Almaa in Saudi Arabia’s southwestern Asir region to attend the Flowerman Festival, an immersive event which includes a variety of activities exploring the region’s history and traditions.

The festival celebrates the ancient tradition of wearing garlands, decorative wreaths of flowers and leaves that can be worn as headdresses or around the neck.

It also showcases some of the village’s most important customs dating back to the 1950s, including regional folklore dances and the colorful murals local women paint on the walls of their homes.

The Ministry of Culture, which organized the festival, said on its official Twitter page, “The Flowerman Festival celebrates the ancient tradition of wearing beautiful floral garlands, with events that showcase this important part of the rural culture in Rijal Almaa in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia.”

The ministry added that the event aims to highlight a time when people were connected to nature and created flower crowns from nature’s bloom.

Flower crowns are popular among male members of the Qahtan tribe in the Asir province.

The floral headpieces are usually made of red and orange blooms, which the tribe believes will enhance their beauty and health, and are often worn to ward off headaches or sinus problems.

The Flowerman Festival includes live music, a light show, traditional dances, horseback riding, zip lines, paintball, and heritage markets displaying handmade crafts which encapsulate the region’s history.

The three-week event, which is taking place from August 12 until the end of the month, is part of Al-Soudah Season, a month-long event promoting outdoor activities in Asir.