‘Carmen‘, a Spanish flamenco experience, ignited Ithra as it re-opened the annual Cultural Days with Spain as the featured country this year.
It set the Ithra Theater ablaze with astounding musical brilliance and impactful grace from the performers.
The three-day event fully captivated the audience, fully immersing themselves in Spanish artistry.
‘Carmen’: A Spanish Flamenco experience
From January 15 to 17, Ithra staged ‘Carmen’, a large-scale production that is part of the programs for ‘Live Spain’. A unique blend of dancers and musicians brought to life the legendary characters of Carmen and Don Jose through the impactful performance that drew audiences of different nationalities.
Flamenco-inspired choreography was the focal point of ‘Carmen’, made eve more beautiful by the resonant richness of a live orchestra, choir, and soloists. This dynamic combo, complemented by Bizet’s score, vividly transformed the Ithra theater into 19th century Spain.
The resounding success of the show was attributed to the dynamic collaboration of the performing groups, Ithra, and other organizers. The program was curated tastefully with a blend of storytelling, dance, and music. The show opened with a Preludio through flamenco ballet and orchestra.
The Barcelona Flamenco Ballet
The powerhouse team behind ‘Carmen’ in Ithra was the Barcelona Flamenco Ballet (BFB), one of Spain’s internationally acclaimed dance companies. Founded in 2017 by Catalan dancer and choreographer David Gutierez, BFB is famed as ‘the flamenco ballet of Barcelona’ and a leading cultural ambassador of the city. The BFB has performed in up to 50 countries all over the world including South Korea, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Finland.
The Orquesta Ciudad de Alcala
The glowing movements of BFB was made even brighter by the music behind the show rendered by the Orquesta Ciudad de Alcala. Formed in 1996 in Alcala de Henares by Maestro Vincent Ariñom the prominent orchestra has also made waves overseas. In 2012, the group was invited by the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory of Saint Petersburg to represent Spain during the 150th anniversary celebrations of its founding. It has graced the stages of known theaters in Paris, London, and New York among others.
Ithra Cultural Days: Live Spain location
As mentioned earlier, the Live Spain is located Ithra, Dhahran. Aside from the recently concluded ‘Carmen’, other activities and events are scheduled in various areas in Ithra.
Ithra Cultural Days: Live Spain dates
The Live Spain event will run until Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Ithra Cultural Days: Live Spain ticketing
Most of the activations are free, but selected activities come with a fee. Tickets can be booked via Ithra’s website.
Intercultural exchange in Ithra
Through Cultural Days, Ithra brings the world closer to the Kingdom by featuring traditions, art, stories and rituals from other countries. The annual event is a form of appreciation of other nations across borders. Visitors are invited to immerse in a wide variety of workshops, try local cuisine, and marvel at vibrant displays. Ithra has developed this program as an extraordinary experience meant to fully understand the different facets of a cultural identity.
Last year, Ithra featured Japan which paved the way for locals and expats in the region to see a whole new world of beauty from the other side of the world. Communities from the Eastern Province and neighboring cities are always looking forward to what’s next in Ithra’s Cultural Days,
