MAKKAH: The fifth edition of the Tea and Coffee Festival was held in Jeddah on Sunday and Monday, with the participation of 13 countries. Organized by Aloula, a charity association for empowering generations, the two-day festival aimed to introduce the customs, traditions, and rituals related to serving coffee and tea of different countries. It also featured arts, handicrafts, perfumes, and jewelry sections, in addition to booths by local families. Various cultural shows, musical events and artistic performances from Indonesia, Yemen, and Egypt, were held to entertain the visitors. In an interview with Arab News, the chair of the board of directors of Aloula, Dr. Hala Ali Al-Shaer, said that the concept of the festival is inspired by “the diversity already existing in the Kingdom, which is considered a pluralistic country in terms of beverages and cultures.” Al-Shaer explained that “the Kingdom hosts many consulates that aspire for cultural cross-pollination with Saudis.” The first festival, a tea party, took place in 2002. It was a small festival and went through multiple stages in terms of introducing the traditions of poems and coffee. The celebrations used to take place in selected hotels. Later on, the concept was developed further and folklore performances were organized by consulates. “All participating countries approved the idea as it is an opportunity to meet and introduce their tea- and coffee-related cultures. “The festival was a great opportunity to celebrate Saudi coffee and present it in a unique way that matches its authenticity and ancient history, as it is a symbol of Arab hospitality,” Al-Shaer said. The association has succeeded in introducing initiatives and programs for the benefit of the community. The proceeds of the Tea and Coffee Festival will support the children fostered by the association, their families, and the development programs it seeks to achieve, Al-Shaer said. The CEO of the association, Dania Al-Maeena, said: “The most significant achievement of our association is represented by being awarded the King Khaled Award for Excellence for Non-Profit Organizations 2021, given that our association’s primary goal is well rooted in forming a generation capable of breaching the poverty cycle through the early intervention in the lives of children, developing their scientific and mathematical skills, as well as enabling their self-actualization and building of a better future.” A Cup of Gahwa The taste and traditions of Saudi coffee Enter keywords