Saif Al Saadeh Group

Arada Shamieh (Damascene Arada)

Location Issued

Artist Origin

More Info

Arada is a ritual of collective singing and chanting, native to Damascus. The establishment of professional Arada ensembles dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, but it had long been a Damascene tradition. It was traditionally performed at wedding ceremonies by a number of the groom’s friends. The most gifted young man of the bunch, one skilled in descriptive poetry and rhymes, would recite a few sentences, which were then repeated back by the rest of the group.

Later, Arada bands began to be hired to perform on various occasions, such as the opening of a new business, etc. Decorative swords and shields were added to bring more enthusiasm to the show. Today, Arada is an integral folk art that remains a part of Damascene society and its cultural identity.