Tuesday 18 / March / 2025
Muscat: As we are close to saying farewell to the biggest, month-long festival in town, we are left in awe of the beauty it showcased, portraying Oman’s deep-rooted heritage that’s been kept alive over for ages.
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The rendition of the heritage village in Al Amerat Park, one of the venues of the Muscat Festival, presented the best of such heritage.
There are tonnes of things to see and innumerable events to participate in at the village, and if you are out hunting for inspirational stories, told by equally inspirational folks who played a vital role in preserving this celebrated culture, then make sure to pay one last visit to the village and meet the local old men with tales from the past.
What most people don’t realise is that these men have been around for more than a decade, entertaining us with their wit and attitude, and they will always be of great value in the field of traditional arts and craftsmanship.
Once you step into the village, you’ll meet the likes of Saleh Hamood Saleh, a teacher of the Holy Quran who’s been teaching children how to read the holy book ever since he was a youngster, as his love for the Holy Quran goes beyond words.
Another festival face you shouldn’t miss is Abu Hamed, who has been collecting Omani artefacts and ancient monuments that date back to more than 500 years. “I’ve collected around 400 pieces, but whenever I touch any one piece, I see it as my favourite” said Abu Hamed, when asked which particular piece was his favourite.
You will see many other interesting faces around the village, busy making traditional bags with animal skin, pieces of pottery designed in a traditional manner by using mud, as well as a dedicated place where the art of blacksmithing is being presented. Head there and spend your last festival days with some true heroes of the Omani culture.
