Heritage Commission Launches Cultural Events to Mark World Heritage Day

​​​​​​​The program also includes workshops, live demonstrations by artisans, and dedicated retail spaces where artisans display and sell their handmade products - SPA
​​​​​​​The program also includes workshops, live demonstrations by artisans, and dedicated retail spaces where artisans display and sell their handmade products - SPA
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Heritage Commission Launches Cultural Events to Mark World Heritage Day

​​​​​​​The program also includes workshops, live demonstrations by artisans, and dedicated retail spaces where artisans display and sell their handmade products - SPA
​​​​​​​The program also includes workshops, live demonstrations by artisans, and dedicated retail spaces where artisans display and sell their handmade products - SPA

To mark World Heritage Day, observed annually on April 18, the Heritage Commission has launched a series of heritage and cultural events, taking place from April 16 to 21 at the Laysen Valley in Riyadh, to raise public awareness of the importance of national heritage by highlighting World Heritage Sites in the Kingdom and affirming their significance on the global map.
The events feature a variety of activities designed to offer an exceptional experience, allowing visitors to explore the Kingdom's rich heritage.

They showcase the cultural significance in an innovative way, blending interactive experiences to inspire a deeper appreciation of national heritage, SPA reported.
Among the highlights are drone shows on April 18 at the Heritage Valley area, a designated children's area, and pavilions showcasing heritage arts and handicrafts.
The program also includes workshops, live demonstrations by artisans, and dedicated retail spaces where artisans display and sell their handmade products.
The commission is keen to prepare for and celebrate this day as a vital means of honoring the Kingdom's rich heritage and creatively showcasing its cultural components and historical depth to all segments of society.



Milan’s La Scala Theater Fires Usher Who Shouted ‘Free Palestine’ at Gala Event

People stand outside of the La Scala opera house on the day of the season opening of La Scala theater in Milan, Italy December 7, 2024. (Reuters)
People stand outside of the La Scala opera house on the day of the season opening of La Scala theater in Milan, Italy December 7, 2024. (Reuters)
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Milan’s La Scala Theater Fires Usher Who Shouted ‘Free Palestine’ at Gala Event

People stand outside of the La Scala opera house on the day of the season opening of La Scala theater in Milan, Italy December 7, 2024. (Reuters)
People stand outside of the La Scala opera house on the day of the season opening of La Scala theater in Milan, Italy December 7, 2024. (Reuters)

Milan's famed La Scala opera house has fired one of its ushers after she shouted a pro-Palestinian slogan at a gala event attended by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni earlier this month, two trade unions said on Thursday.

The woman shouted "Free Palestine" as Meloni was taking her seat in the Royal Box at a May 4 concert in honor of the Asian Development Bank meeting in Milan, the theater's trade unions said. Contacted by Reuters, La Scala had no immediate comment.

"In the dismissal order, signed by superintendent Fortunato Ortombina, it is emphasized that she betrayed trust by disobeying service orders, but we believe that she listened to her conscience," the CUB union said in a statement.

"We will deploy all trade union actions to defend this brave girl who has our utmost solidarity," CUB added.

Italy's government has been a vocal supporter of Israel, but its foreign minister said on Wednesday Israel's continued assault on the Gaza Strip had become unacceptable and had to stop immediately.

Israel launched its campaign on the Palestinian enclave in response to the devastating Hamas attack in southern Israel on Oct 7, 2023, that killed some 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage into Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

The campaign has killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, Gaza health officials say, and left the enclave in ruins.

In Italy, opposition parties are planning a rally on June 7 calling for an end to the war in Gaza, while unions at La Scala have asked for a banner to be put up before performances on June 6 and 11 saying "Ceasefire, stop the massacres".

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