Al Hakawati or the story-teller sees revival in Ramadan

In the early the 19th century, Al Hakawati or the storyteller, was a character that appeared in Arabic folklore as an entertainment tool equivalent to TV, radio and the Internet nowadays. People used to gather around Al Hakawati in small tea or coffee houses around the neighborhood to listen to his stories, which he animated with different voices and gestures to attract attention and interaction.
To revive this tradition, McDonald's Saudi Arabia, has set a Ramadan tent inside a number of shopping centers in Riyadh area and the Eastern Province, where children gather around Al Hakawati and get to live a unique and fun interactive experience.
Children meet with Al Hakawati every weekend during the holy month of Ramadan, to listen to entertaining stories, adventures and tales filled with moral lessons, while also enjoying arts and crafts activities such as designing Ramadan lanterns, Eid greeting cards, face drawings and making gifts.
Director of Public Relations at Riyadh International Catering Company, Waddah Omran said “we are delighted to see the fun and harmonious interaction between the excited children and Al Hakawati , who is a character from the past.” Omran also pointed out the importance of entertainment as an essential tool in the life of children to stimulate creativity. “Therefore, we were keen on searching for activities that are harmonious with this holy month which heightens Islamic values through carefully chosen tales that also entertain the children, address their minds and imaginations.” said Omran.
8-year-old Faisal was so excited to listen to Al Hakawati and asked questions about the stories’ heroes. “This is the first time I hear stories from someone, I usually watch TV or YouTube, but he is live and the way he is telling the story is funny and nice.” Faisal is one of the children from INSAN, the Philanthropic Society for Orphans, which Saudi MacDonald’s had dedicated a special day to, so that they could listen to Al Hakawati, have their faces painted, play with cartoon characters, receive gifts and take photos.