Winter at Tantora Festival is returning to AlUla, meaning there are now even more reasons to visit the UNESCO World Heritage destination before the end of 2021. The festival, one of the first of its kind in Saudi, celebrates the best in arts, music, fashion and food, and makes its return this December. This year, it will launch with a new six-week format, alongside three more festivals in AlUla.
Want to know more about the events? Of course, you do. Where else can you watch a fashion show with actual horses? Here’s everything we know about AlUla’s Winter at Tantora festival.
AlUla Citrus Festival
If you thought nothing grows in the desert, think again. At this citrus festival, you can learn about the 29 types of special citrus fruits that are specific to the area. Farmers will be showing off their produce and also selling them the traditional way.
From January 7-8, January 14-15.
AlUla Moments
Maraya, the shimmering beauty slap bang in the middle of the desert, will host amazing concerts. The stage will welcome musicians from across the globe including the AlUla-favourite Andrea Bocelli, who will be returning to the kingdom on January 21. Other performers include the Egyptian composer, Omar Khairat, on January 15; Lebanese soprano, Magida El Roumi, on January 28; and Abdulrahman Mohammed on January 7.
Candlelit Classics at Hegra
The Candlelit Classics at Hegra is set to be one of the most magical experiences in the bunch. Enjoy the beauty of Hegra, lit up with candles and Stefan Lombard serenading you with short musical pieces played one after the next. The tickets go on sale on December 2.
December 24 and 31.
Cinema El-Housh
This one is for movie lovers. You’ll be seated in a gorgeous outdoor cinema watching world-class movies from Saudi, Arab and international directors. Each week, new themes will be announced. Movies will include recent releases from the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.
Open Tue-Sat from 6.30pm. December 23-February 28.
Desert Polo Tournament
Coming back for round two, the Desert Polo Tournament is a four-team polo competition featuring Adolfo Cambiaso and La Dolfina Saudi Polo Team. It is designed to display the gorgeous AlUla landscape and promote knowledge about the rich history of horse culture in the region. The tickets go on sale on December 12.
February 11-12.
Fursan Endurance Cup
Returning for the third time, this competitive race is organised in collaboration with the Saudi Equestrian Federation. It is an international 120-kilometre competition where participants run across the beautiful desert landscape for hours on end, and only one will emerge victoriously. This time around, it features 200 riders from all over the world. Tickets are on sale from December 12.
January 29.
Hegra Cavalry Fashion Show
Taking place for the very first time, this high-end fashion is going to be something special. On the runaway, human and horse will be walking side by side to appeal to both style icons and animals lovers. You’ll have the chance to walk away with an exclusive piece too.
Tickets are on sale from December 12. January 27.
Tantora Celebration
Kicking off in their traditional style, the Tantora Celebration will begin with an announcement of the winter harvest season. This will be followed by an immersive light and sound show, where residents and visitors will be brought together in beautiful cultural performances and a night of music.
December 21-25.
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