AlUla Residents Celebrate the 'Tantora' Event, a Cultural Tradition Linked to Agricultural Seasons and the Start of Winter
Residents of AlUla today celebrated the “Tantora” event in the Old Town, marking one of the region’s most prominent inherited cultural traditions. For decades, this tradition has played a central role in regulating agricultural life and determining the beginning of winter’s forty-day period, known locally as Al-Marba'aniyah.
The Tantora is a historical sundial that residents of AlUla relied upon to track seasonal changes and identify the start of agricultural seasons. As such, it represented a pivotal element in organizing farming activities and daily life in the oasis across successive generations.
The event was attended by several AlUla residents and visitors, creating an atmosphere that evoked the memory of the place and reflected the local community's deep connection to its cultural heritage, alongside visitors' interest in discovering one of the region’s most significant elements of intangible cultural heritage. The celebration featured a range of cultural and heritage activities highlighting the historical value of the Tantora and its role in documenting the relationship between people and their agricultural environment. These activities included heritage displays, demonstrations of traditional crafts, presentations on the history and uses of the Tantora, and events recreating aspects of traditional life in AlUla.
Reviving this tradition contributes to raising awareness of the importance of the Tantora as a cultural testament to the seasonal practices that shaped the lives of local communities, particularly its association with announcing the onset of winter and the agricultural preparations linked to the season. The Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate continues to partner with the local community to revive such inherited cultural practices and support their preservation as an integral part of local identity.
The continued celebration of the Tantora reflects the commitment of the people of AlUla to preserving and passing on their cultural heritage and strengthening its presence within the cultural landscape. This, in turn, provides visitors with an authentic experience that deepens their understanding of the value of local heritage and its profound connection to place and time.
