Ithra to Celebrate Spanish Culture with Two-Week Festival Featuring Art, Music, Cuisine, and Heritage

Riyadh – The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, is set to bring Spain to life from January 12 to 31 with an immersive two-week cultural celebration showcasing Spanish art, music, fashion, food, cinema, architecture, history, and creative traditions.

Visitors will experience a variety of programs across the plaza, museum, theater, lush gardens, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit, and the iconic Ithra Tower, offering an all-encompassing view of Spanish cultural heritage and lifestyle.

Under the banner “Live Spain,” Ithra will transform its spaces to create interactive experiences highlighting Spanish photography, design, and sports, alongside live performances including a production of the famous opera Carmen, engaging audiences with music, drama, and traditional dance.

Attendees can also enjoy workshops on Spanish crafts, culinary arts, visual arts, and design, allowing hands-on participation that bridges historical Spanish techniques with contemporary creative expression, fostering both education and entertainment.

Ithra’s cinema will feature screenings of Spanish short and feature films complemented by post-show discussions, providing deeper insights into the country’s artistic narratives, social commentary, and cinematic achievements, enhancing visitor understanding of Spanish cultural identity.

The idea lab and library will host sessions and talks exploring Spanish literature, architecture, and creative practices, offering intellectual engagement and opportunities for learning about Spain’s historical influences and contemporary contributions to global arts and humanities.

Spanish cuisine will be central to the celebration, with markets, tasting events, and culinary workshops reflecting Spain’s social and gastronomic traditions, emphasizing regional flavors, culinary techniques, and the cultural significance of food in everyday Spanish life.

Children and youth programs will run alongside the main events, including storytelling, creative workshops, performances, and interactive sessions designed to inspire younger audiences while encouraging curiosity and cultural appreciation through educational and entertaining activities.

Ithra Cultural Days provide a platform for global cultural exchange, emphasizing immersive, public-facing experiences that connect visitors to international traditions, arts, and heritage, fostering mutual understanding and cross-cultural dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Spain.

This year’s Spain-focused program follows the success of the Japan edition, which attracted over 200,000 visitors in two weeks, demonstrating Ithra’s ability to host large-scale, diverse cultural initiatives that combine learning, entertainment, and community engagement.

The festival highlights the historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions, showcasing shared influences in architecture, art, and social practices while providing modern interpretations of classical Spanish culture for an international audience.

Visitors will enjoy performances on multiple stages, ranging from traditional flamenco music and dance to contemporary Spanish theatrical productions, reflecting Spain’s vibrant performing arts scene and offering a dynamic experience for all age groups.

Hands-on activities and workshops will invite participants to create their own artworks, learn Spanish cooking techniques, and engage with fashion and design elements, encouraging a participatory approach that blends creativity, culture, and education.

The public spaces at Ithra will host food markets, live demonstrations, and social events that emphasize the communal nature of Spanish culture, reinforcing the role of art, cuisine, and performance in daily social life.

Ithra Cultural Days aim to deepen cultural understanding and appreciation through large-scale exhibitions, educational sessions, and immersive experiences, providing a platform for international collaboration, artistic expression, and global cultural literacy.

The event underscores Ithra’s commitment to promoting global cultures, inspiring creative thinking, and celebrating the richness of diverse traditions while connecting local communities with international cultural narratives.