The latest iteration of the Winter at Tantora Festival has truly reimagined the realms of culture, art, and music, captivating audiences over its six-week spectacle in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. This year, the festival, renowned as the region’s jewel in the crown of cultural festivities, outdid itself by presenting an array of premium celebrations that resonated with visitors from around the globe.
As AlUla Moments drew the curtains on this spectacular fifth edition, the echoes of applause from the vast crowds in attendance during the final days underscored the event’s monumental success. From December 21 to January 27, the festival unfolded a tapestry of world-class activities, immersive experiences, and diverse performances that illuminated the very essence of AlUla, leaving an indelible mark on all who wandered its enchanting landscapes.
This year’s festival was heralded as the “biggest, best, and most memorable” yet, a claim substantiated by the overwhelming acclaim it received from audiences. Winter at Tantora, named after an ancient sundial at AlUla, and celebrating the start of planting season, has become a vibrant winter sanctuary, offering something for everyone – from cultural aficionados and entertainment seekers to fashion enthusiasts, music lovers, sports fans, and nature admirers. The festival’s heart pulsed with six themed weekends, each unveiling distinct attractions that beckoned audiences to delve into AlUla’s rich culture, heritage, history, and natural wonders.
The festival’s live entertainment roster was studded with stars and standout performances. The Tantora Celebration, along with the musical spectacles of Shorfat AlJadidah and the ‘Jamil and Bouthayna’ shows, returned to enrapture audiences with more dazzling acts and cultural festivities. Hegra Candlelit Classics, alongside performances by Majida El Roumi, Abadi Al Johar, Nancy Ajram, the Swiss Orchestra, and Andrea Bocelli, added to the festival’s allure.
The festival also shone a spotlight on local talent, with performances by Saudi artists Zeina Emad, who graced the opening act of the “Jamil and Bouthayna” musical with a song penned exclusively for AlUla, and Sawsan AlBahiti, the Saudi opera singer who opened for Bocelli’s concert at Maraya and joined him in a rendition of his famed “Con Te Partiro.”
A celebration of Arabic culture, poetry, and traditions was woven into the fabric of the festival, with events like Word of AlUla, Poets Parade, and Poets Night. The ancient city’s burgeoning reputation as a sporting haven was also on full display, drawing large crowds and celebrity guests to the AlUla Trail Race and the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo. The AlUla Citrus Festival highlighted the fresh produce of AlUla’s winter season, adding another layer to the festival’s rich tapestry.
As Winter at Tantora concludes, the journey of AlUla Moments continues to unfold with an exciting lineup of events on the horizon. The AlUla Tour is set to captivate the world of professional cycling, followed by the third edition of the AlUla Arts Festival, which promises a city-wide celebration of art through flagship events, immersive exhibitions, and creative initiatives. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup and Tough Mudder Infinity AlUla are among the many events that await in the coming weeks, promising to keep the spirit of AlUla alive with a myriad of activations and celebrations.
AlUla Moments, AlUla’s new hub for events, was launched at the end of 2021 to unlock the stories of this ancient land, celebrate its 7,000 years of civilisations, and showcase local and international cultures through a diverse calendar of festivals. These festivals span art, culture, music, nature, wellness, equestrian activities, dining, and astronomy, among others, enriching the visitor experience and continuing to position AlUla as a destination of global significance.
Nestled 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla’s extraordinary natural and human heritage spans 22,561km². Its lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains, and ancient cultural heritage sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra, tell the story of the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms and the rich tapestry of human history that unfolded in this mesmerising landscape.
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