Makkah, 15 Ramadan 1447 AH (4 March 2026)

The Hira Cultural District has revived the ancient art of the "Hakawati" (storyteller) as part of Hira Ramadan Nights, in a lively Ramadan atmosphere that drew a notable turnout of visitors, families and children, who engaged with one of the most prominent forms of Arab folk storytelling.

The Hakawati is one of the heritage arts that through the ages served as a window to knowledge and a source of enjoyment. The evening brought this form of oral heritage back to the fore through stories drawn from folk heritage and historical tales of human values, in an interactive style that recalled the atmosphere of the old majlis gatherings, where storytelling was a means of education, entertainment and strengthening community values.

A Cultural Experience Connecting Generations

The event was part of the varied cultural program offered by the Hira Cultural District during Ramadan to enrich the cultural experience of Makkah's visitors and strengthen the presence of heritage arts in the contemporary scene, connecting new generations with their cultural heritage through engaging creative approaches.

The evening saw wide engagement from children, who joined in parts of the storytelling in an educational and entertaining experience that strengthened their listening and imagination skills and developed their sense of language. A number of visitors expressed their admiration for the content, stressing the importance of reviving this authentic art within Ramadan events.

Hira Nights: A Renewed Cultural Identity

Hira Ramadan Nights includes a series of cultural, artistic and social activities for every segment of the community, as the district seeks to offer a complete experience combining authenticity and modernity and reflecting Makkah's standing as a cultural destination alongside its religious standing.

The events affirm the importance of investing in intangible heritage and re-presenting it in modern ways that preserve its essence and give it a renewed presence in the community's memory during the holy month.