Kunna Kida — Festival with a historic twist

THE third historic Jeddah festival, Kunna Kida (We were like this), is under way, bringing excitement and happiness to Jeddah’s residents over a period of 10 days.

Those attending the festival will discover new activities as well as enjoy traditional Hejazi food. The festival combines entertainment along with education about the families of old Hejaz.

Around 800 government bodies and other organizations are taking part in showcasing the traditions and culture of the city.

Jeddah’s Governor, Prince Mishal Bin Majed, inaugurated the festival along with Prince Sultan Bin Salman, chief of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage, on Wednesday.

Head of the Historical Area Municipality Sami Nawar said the municipality is following a sustainable plan for historic Jeddah that includes building sidewalks and floors.

He said the municipality benefited from the experience at previous festivals and made some changes, such as reducing the amount of stairs and floors in buildings to make access easier for wheelchair-bound visitors or those with disabilities.

Golf carts will also be available throughout the year for visitors to move in the area.

Saudi risk analyst Layla Al-Sanea said she expected this year’s festival to be more beautiful and organized compared to previous years.

She said she saw preparations for the festival on Snapchat, and she would attend because the event timing is suitable and the weather is nice.

She also said the festival was one of the few cultural festivals in Saudi Arabia and that people should get down to it if they had the chance.

“The new generation do not know anything about the history of the country or our traditions, so it is very nice to return the old memories. I hope they focus on this angle rather than only focusing on selling food,” she said.

A Saudi doctor, Wesam Dause, said he would attend the festival because it is one of the vital events in Jeddah and he loves the festival, especially with the current weather.

“I think it would be a wonderful festival and nice as usual but with a variety of activities and better organized. This festival will benefit people with home businesses to increase their profit and making people know about them. New generations will know about their history and foreigners living in Jeddah will get to know about historic Jeddah and its history and traditions,” he said.