The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is currently hosting this year’s Ithra Cultural Days, spotlighting Spain through a wide-ranging, immersive programme running until 31 January 2026. Titled Live Spain, the event transforms Ithra’s spaces into a vibrant journey through Spanish culture, inviting visitors to experience multiple artistic and cultural expressions in a single visit.
Activities unfold across the Plaza, Museum, Theater, Lush Garden, Library, Idea Lab, Cinema, Children’s Museum, Energy Exhibit and Ithra Tower. The programme features exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports, alongside culinary experiences and interactive installations exploring historical, linguistic and cultural connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
Live performances form the heart of the programme, with daily events across several stages, including the Theatre and Lush Garden. Spanish parades, flamenco-inspired works and roaming performances animate the site, complemented by larger-scale productions presented at key moments. Among the highlights is a theatrical production of Carmen, staged as part of Ithra’s theatre programme.
“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming,” said Noura Alzamil, Programs Manager at Ithra. “Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days explore the depth and diversity of Spanish cultural heritage. Visitors can expect a rich and varied programme designed to appeal to a wide range of interests.”
The cinema programme presents a curated selection of Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions that offer additional cultural context. Talks and sessions in the Idea Lab and Library explore architecture, literature, and creative practice, complementing the programme’s visual and performance-led elements.
Hands-on workshops invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish craft and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices. A parallel programme for children and young people runs throughout the event, featuring storytelling, creative workshops and family-friendly performances.
Culinary activations and outdoor market experiences extend the programme into Ithra’s public spaces, highlighting food as a central social and cultural practice.
