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Spring has officially sprung in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and one of the most telling signs is the Taif Rose Festival which is in full bloom.
Every year, the city of Taif, also known as the City of Roses, looks forward to spring as it transforms into the season’s most exciting cultural event, a time to truly mark the arrival of the favourable climes.
Held annually during the month of April or May, the Taif Rose Festival, is when the city celebrates its most prized florals, the Damask roses.
An event unlike any other, GRAZIA shares everything you need to know about Saudi Arabia’s most picturesque flower celebrations.
What is the Taif Rose Festival?
The Taif Rose Festival is one of the most highly anticipated cultural events in the Saudi calendar, a hallmark of sorts. At its heart, the festival looks into the iconic flowers, known for its delicate pink hues. But beyond its beauty, the roses are deeply embedded in the city’s identity.
While it has no religious ties, the festival looks back into Taif’s century-old rose farming culture and perfumery tradition, which has been an integral part of the population’s life. So much so, that the unique craft secured a spot on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, a sure symbol of the country’s rich heritage with nature and tradition.
Where is the festival held?
The Taif Rose Festival is customary to the city of Taif, which sits over 1,800 metres above sea level amidst the Kingdom’s mountainous areas.
How is the Taif Rose Festival celebrated?
Each spring, when the Damask roses fully bloom, harvesting season usually begins and takes over 35 to 45 days, according to UNESCO. This is a time where families and local farmers turn the precious flowers into an array of products. Whether it’s rose and natural oils, rich scents and so forth.
Beyond the florals, it was noted that last year’s Taif Rose Festival listed an array of activities, like the infamous perfume-making workshop and a slew of family-friendly affairs, such as petal picking, and artisanal bazaars which is set against the landscape of Al Hada and Al Shifa.
