Mezmar, also known as mizmar (Arabic: oboe al-mizmar), is a traditional song-dance stick widely used by communities that have migrated to western Saudi Arabia in the last few centuries, making it outside the original culture of Hejaz and its tribal native people.
The tradition of Almamezmar is a traditional Saudi Arabian group performance performed at various festive occasions, such as celebrations of family and nation, religious holidays, or government events.
The Almezmar (or mizmar) is performed by groups of men standing in two lines or in a circle and singing loudly rhythmic songs called "zumaal" or "mizmar". Mizmar is an actual term that refers to almost any wind instrument found in the Hijaz and Asir, ranging from the end-blown flute to the dual-piped boos. But mizmar as a musical name is confusing because the mizmar song-dance doesn't require any wind instruments. There is no mizmar in mizmar, just drums."
The Almazmar ritual is performed between 15 and 100 people. Practitioners dressed in long white garments, stand in two rows opposite each other, twirl long sticks, clap loudly to songs, and chant songs celebrating gallantry, generosity, and love when they hear the drums beating.
The first row of performers claps strongly while repeating the song, then the second row sings antiphonally. During the dance, two performers take the center stage, twirling large sticks in graceful movements around a fire or other objects. Two others then follow them, sometimes accompanied by women who make costumes and take part in the singing and dancing in private gatherings when local craftsmen produce the drums and sticks used.
These songs are usually about heroism, praise, chivalry, love, and generosity. They are often associated with battles or competitions, and the tradition is similar to the tahtib dance practiced in Egypt and Sudan.
This tradition is passed down through observation and practice by performing arts troupes and heritage centers. Almezmar is primarily carried out by performing arts troupes and heritage centers. This cultural expression is part of community identity, it brings together people from diverse backgrounds, it is an entertainment source, and it offers shared knowledge that contributes to collective memory.
As a cultural expression, the Almezmar assembles people from diverse generations and social backgrounds. As a source of amusement, and as a manifestation of skillful play, it promotes the spirit of equality and fair play among the community members. Also promotes good quality and manners among youth despite the alternating lifestyles of urbanization and globalization.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/almezmar-drumming-and-dancing-with-sticks-01011) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mezmar) (https://sites.google.com/a/shps.org.sa/sh/home/trq-swn-alfnwn-aladayyte-fy-almmlkte)