Al-jouf: Folk arts play a prominent role in wedding celebrations in Al-Jouf Region, serving as expressions of joy and longstanding traditions that give festivities an authentic character rooted in the local environment and cultural memory. They create scenes that combine celebration with pride in folk heritage and national identity.
According to Saudi Press Agency, weddings in Al-Jouf are marked by a series of traditions, beginning with welcoming well-wishers after the evening prayer, followed by traditional Saudi hospitality, including dates and coffee. A dinner banquet is then served as a cornerstone of hospitality before celebrations begin with expressions of joy and performances of various folk arts.
Saudi Ardah is among the most prominent traditional performances at weddings in the region. Community members stand in two orderly facing rows, with a poet between them reciting verses from the poetic heritage that are repeated back and forth. Men perform the Saudi Ardah while holding hands and swords, as the groom is celebrated between the rows surrounded by relatives. The performance creates a celebratory scene that reflects pride and belonging while reinforcing values of unity and participation.
Samri is another traditional performance that follows the Saudi Ardah. It is performed by two facing rows, with drummers in one row singing the first verse of a poem before the other row repeats it.
Al-Daha is also prominent at weddings, characterized by energetic movements, clapping, and traditional chants that engage participants of different ages.
Folk arts at weddings are more than artistic performances; they are an authentic expression of joy and a manifestation of community bonds. They also help preserve cultural heritage and safeguard its elements from disappearing. At the same time, they introduce younger generations to Al-Jouf's rich repertoire of arts, songs, and performance traditions, which remain closely associated with celebrations and form an integral part of the region's social and cultural identity.