Jazan region preserves diverse intangible cultural heritage

The Jazan region in Saudi Arabia maintains a rich tapestry of intangible cultural heritage, encompassing performing arts, traditional customs, and ancestral crafts. On the occasion of World Intangible Cultural Heritage Day, local traditions continue to serve as a living memory for the community.

Performing arts vary across the region's mountainous, coastal, and plain environments, featuring dances such as the Ardha, sword dances, and Al-Azaawi. Specific local chants and rhythms, including Al-Has'a, Al-Ma'sha, and Al-Dana, remain prominent in cultural gatherings. Women's heritage is also preserved through specific social customs and traditional songs related to agricultural seasons and community events.

Traditional craftsmanship remains a vital part of daily life, including pottery, woodworking, leatherwork, and palm frond weaving. Agricultural practices are equally significant, particularly the cultivation of corn and the heritage of Saudi coffee. The knowledge and practices surrounding Saudi coffee cultivation were officially recognized by UNESCO in 2022.