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Over 50,000 Attend Eid Celebrations at Ithra Featuring Artistic Performances

Over 50,000 Attend Eid Celebrations at Ithra Featuring Artistic Performances

Leaders11-06-2025
Over the span of three days, Eid al-Adha celebrations at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) attracted more than 50,000 visitors. Held under the theme 'A Ribbon of Giving,' the center offered a wide array of activities and events catering to all age groups. These ranged from artistic exhibitions to live and interactive performances. Crowds also lined up to attend various film screenings, culminating in a musical concert by composer Islam El Qasabgi on Ithra's main stage, which was met with enthusiastic public reception.
Ithra, Exceptional Experiences
Ithra's Eid festivities reflect its role as a multidimensional cultural and creative hub aimed at delivering unique experiences to its visitors and fostering a positive societal impact. The center pursues this mission through a mix of cultural programs, interactive activities, and initiatives tailored for various age groups. Many visitors shared that the Eid events at Ithra succeeded in merging knowledge and wonder with an exploratory learning experience.
Nora Al-Balawi, a visitor, remarked, 'We came for the shows and programs, and I was surprised by the meaningful workshops that stimulated children's thinking, moving beyond the usual holiday routine. My 9-year-old son, for instance, learned how to craft a coin bank with skill and creativity, among other engaging experiences.' Another visitor added, 'The workshops at the Energy Exhibit and the Children's Museum represent a new approach to celebrating important occasions—offering children fresh learning techniques and enjoyable educational activities instead of just typical games. Still, all kinds of activities were available, allowing each child to choose what suited them best.'
Interactive Performances
The event 'A Melody from Every Land' drew large crowds as it showcased Eid customs and traditions from around the world, complete with candy giveaways to highlight each culture's festive practices. Meanwhile, the central plaza featured an audio art installation titled 'Under the Willow Tree' by artist Sara Ricciardi. Hundreds of families gathered around this immersive piece, where the symbolic willow tree—long associated with renewal, healing, and gentle strength—provided a serene and evocative setting for the celebrations.
Wide Range of Activities
The entire Ithra complex was adorned with the theme of generosity. Ithra Library hosted 'Eid Tales: Faces of Giving,' while the Energy Exhibit explored themes of giving through displays like 'Nature's Gift,' 'Desert Treasures,' 'Wings of Giving,' and 'Natural Wealth.' In Ithra's gardens, children gathered for 'The Gift of Story,' where captivating tales brought Eid joy to life. Other activities included 'Paths of Earth and Palm Trees.' The Children's Museum offered a vibrant lineup of themed events such as 'The Giving Vault,' 'The Giving Frame,' 'The Art of Giving,' 'Eid Journey,' and 'We Are Giving.'
As soon as one activity ended, another began, with the plaza brimming with festive showcases including 'From You to Them,' 'Smile Challenge,' and many more. Altogether, the events painted Eid with the colors of joy and generosity, making Ithra a gateway to celebration through wonder, creativity, and shared humanity.
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