Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) are able to experience Spanish culture between January 12 and 31 through a wide-ranging program titled “Live Spain”.
As part of Ithra Cultural Days, multiple venues across the center are adapted to reflect aspects of life in Spain. Activities take place across the plaza, museum, theatre, garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra Tower.
The program includes exhibitions focused on Spanish photography, fashion and sports, alongside food offerings and interactive installations examining historical and linguistic links between Arab and Spanish cultures. Live performances are staged throughout the venue, including a production of the opera “Carmen”.
Cinema screenings feature Spanish short and feature-length films, followed by discussions designed to add cultural context. Talks and sessions hosted in the idea lab and library address themes such as architecture, literature and creative practice.
Workshops allow visitors to take part in Spanish crafts and creative traditions, covering areas such as visual arts, design and culinary practices. A parallel program for children and young people offers storytelling, creative activities and performances.
Food and market experiences are also incorporated into Ithra’s public spaces, reflecting the central social role of cuisine in Spanish culture.
Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said cultural exchange is central to the center’s programming, adding that highlighting Spain’s culture and history gives this year’s Cultural Days a distinct character. She said the program is designed to appeal to a wide range of interests through its scale and diversity.
Ithra Cultural Days aim to present international cultures through immersive public experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows last year’s Japan edition, which attracted more than 200,000 visitors within two weeks.