July 08, 2021/ Socotra Online
Reporting and Photography: Ahmed Jamaan -Ibrahim Youssef
The artistic teams participating in the Fifth Edition of Sheikh Zayed Festival in Socotra presented wonderful examples of Socotra folk art, which was characterized by its different types and colors.
The days of the festival witnessed a distinguished participation from the Women’s Romancet Folklore Ensemble, which presented a number of Socotri songs and painted happiness on the families present at the festival and decorated it with girls’ dances while they were wearing the old Socotri costume.
The participating teams were keen to show the ancient Socotri art and dance in front of the audience and introduce them to this ancient heritage that was presented by grandparents on occasions in the past and preserved until today it has reached their grandchildren who are proud of this beautiful artistic heritage
An official at the Socotra Folk Arts Department said that the festival will provide, over the ninety days, a great effort and various models to introduce the festival audience to the aesthetics of Socotra art, which was widely admired by visitors who interact with the art presented and share with them the dances and chants expressing the aesthetics of the ancient Socotra artistic heritage.
He pointed out that during the weeks of the festival, a number of traditional songs, chants and plays related to the authentic Socotri customs and traditions will be presented, in addition to Socotra folk dances and performances that differ by their Socotri names, including (Teirah, Debdaq, Al-Sariah, Zamil, Al-Razha, Qelil Mizmar, Andaria, Andima, Tahain and Sebeeh).
It is noteworthy that the festival administration is keen to create a wide participation of popular groups and to highlight a greater amount of art that is unique to Socotra from other regions and to work on documenting it and to entertain the visitors of the festival with its splendor.