JEDDAH: Taif Rose Festival Blossoms at Al-Raddaf Park
Visitors are swarming to the 19th Taif Rose Festival at Al-Raddaf Park, where the flowers are blooming in abundance, showcasing the region’s floral heritage.
The festival, themed “Qetaf” meaning “Picking Time,” aligns with the harvest season and will continue until May 12. The organizers are the Taif Rose Cooperative Society and Taif Municipality.
Impressive Turnout and Optimism Among Exhibitors
There has been a remarkable turnout of Taif residents and both domestic and international tourists at the festival. The exhibitors, mainly farmers and vendors, are hopeful that the increased revenues will enhance rose cultivation and production.
Local farmer and festival participant, Abdullah Altwairqi, expressed his excitement, stating: “Participating in the Taif Rose Festival has become a tradition for me. The atmosphere gets better every year, and the revenue and exposure we receive from visitors make it worthwhile.”
Highlights of the Festival
• Exhibitors at the Taif Rose Festival are optimistic that increased revenues will help boost rose cultivation and production.
• The flower carpet set up by the municipality in the center of the park was designed with decorative patterns inspired by the province’s heritage.
• It covers 5,206 square meters and was crafted using over a million flower and rose seedlings, making it the largest in the history of the festival.
Floral Delights and Aromatic Beverages
At his booth, Altwairqi showcased various flowers and fruits, including Taif roses, peaches, and aromatic plants. He urged people to visit the Rose Flavor cafe to enjoy beverages infused with the flavor of Taif roses and lavender.
The flower carpet, spanning 5,206 square meters, left visitors in awe with its intricate designs inspired by Taif’s heritage. Faiz Al-Thibaiti, from Taif Municipality, highlighted the importance of the event in attracting tourists and visitors from across the country.
Celebrating Taif’s Unique Heritage
The festival celebrates Taif’s unique heritage by incorporating intricate designs inspired by ancient structures. Al-Thibaiti emphasized the role of the festival in promoting the region’s tourism and connecting producers and entrepreneurs.
The event also features interactive fountain shows, national tunes, and a massive flower carpet for visitors to enjoy.
Taifrosethon and Rose Production
The five-day Taifrosethon aims to encourage entrepreneurship in the region and enhance the rose industry with technological solutions. The event includes skills training, workshops, and a competition with cash prizes for the top winners.
Taif province produces over 200 million roses each season, with each tree yielding an average of 250 roses daily. The hand-harvested Taif roses boast a sweet fragrance and vibrant pink hues, symbolizing the region’s natural beauty.
Cultivated in the high-altitude climate of Taif, these roses thrive in the cool temperatures and fertile soil of the region, making them a prized commodity for both locals and tourists alike.