2e: Let’s celebrate!

1 Vocabulary

A. Discuss

What are the most popular celebrations/festivals/events in your country/town?

Al-Janadriyah Festival.

When do they take place?

It usually takes place in February.

Do they involve any special decorations?

Yes, they do.

B. Match the pictures with the words. Then listen and check your answers.
Which of these do you use during popular celebrations?

1. b

2. d

3. a

4. c

2 Listen

1. In Osaka, the Cherry Blossom Festival takes place in one place only. F

2. In Japan, everybody wears traditional clothes for the Cherry Blossom Festival. F

3. You don’t have to bring your own food to the Cherry Blossom Festival. T

4. El Kelaa M’Gouna has a population of about 20,000. F

5. During the Rose Festival, visitors can buy products made from roses. T

6. The rosewater factories are beautifully decorated during the festival. F

3 Speak and Write

A. Read the text and complete the fact file.

Place: Jizan
Date: First week of May
Lasts for: 5 days
Activities: What to buy / eat different varieties of mangoes
Where to go: mango farms
What to see: children's shows, competitions, events
What else to do: get recipes for sweet and savoury mango dishes learn about mangoes.

B. Copy and complete the fact file from activity A with information about a celebration/festival/event you know about. Then talk in pairs.

A: Which festival do you want to talk about?

B: Al-Janadriyah Festival.

A: Where does it take place?

B: It takes place in Riyadh.

A: When does it take place?

B: It takes place in February.

A: How long does it last for?

B: It lasts for about two weeks.

A: What happens before/during/after the event?

B: A lot of cultural activities, like camel races, crafts exhibitions and poetry readings.

A: What do people buy/eat/do?

B: People can attend the events and taste local food.

C. Read the plan below and then decide which paragraph the sentences 1-4 should be in. Write I for Introduction, M for Main part or C for Conclusion.

1. Every year, after the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated not only in Saudi Arabia, but also in many countries around the world. I

2. Families and friends get together and have a big meal. Kabsa is one of the dishes that some Saudis eat to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. M

3. It’s great spending time with your family and friends on this day. It is also a good chance to visit old friends and come closer to your family. C

4. All families gather together after the Eid prayers. They usually exchange presents and sweets. They also care about those who are in need and offer them food. M

D. Write a description of a celebration/festival/event you know about. Use your notes from activity B and follow the plan above.

Every year in February, an important and very old Saudi celebration called Al-Janadriyah Festival takes place in Riyadh.

It lasts for about two weeks and it is an excellent opportunity for people from other countries to learn about the amazing Saudi culture and tradition.

During Al-Janadriyah Festival, visitors can enjoy a variety of events that have to do with art, poetry, culture, history, and many other topics. Talks, poetry readings, craft displays and many other activities are organised.

Camel races are one of the most popular events of the festival and attract thousands of people.

What is more, the festival is a great opportunity to taste the local food.

Visitors to Saudi Arabia should definitely attend this festival, to get a taste of how culture and history are celebrated in a beautiful country.

It's for good reason that Al-Janadriyah is considered to be the Heritage and Cultural Festival of the area.