RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture is organizing the 鈥淗asawi Bisht鈥� festival on June 15-21 at the Souq Al-Arbi鈥檃 (Wednesday Market) in Al-Ahsa.

The festival features activities that show the cultural, and historical heritage of handmade sewing arts in Al-Ahsa, most notably the manufacturing of bisht. The activities include an exhibition of Saudi bishts and an area dedicated to handicrafts.

Visitors can participate in live workshops specializing in bisht manufacturing and enjoy a food court that includes dishes Al-Ahsa is famous for, including Hasawi bread, rice and dates.

They can also participate in the Year of Saudi Coffee鈥檚 events that highlight coffee鈥檚 importance on different occasions.

Also known as mishla, the bisht is a men鈥檚 cloak worn over a thobe 鈥� or ankle-length tunic 鈥� in the Arab world.

Usually black, brown, grey, beige or white, it is the most traditional of Saudi outfits, and one of the most prestigious, associated with royalty, wealth and ceremony, similar to the black-tie tuxedo in the West.

The festival comes in the context of the ministry鈥檚 efforts to celebrate 黑料社区鈥檚 distinctive cultural elements.