Al-Kashtah

Al-Kashtah, also known as al-Mikshat, is a term used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to refer to picnics in nature and outdoor leisure activities. The plural forms are 'Kishtat' and 'Makashit.' In the local dialect, people say 'Khallona Nkashit,' which means 'let's go to the wilderness.' They also use 'Kashat' or 'Kashit' to describe someone who is going on a picnic. Al-Kashtah brings together friends and family and usually takes place outside of cities, in desert areas, valleys, or plains.

Saudis go for al-Kashtah during times when the weather is mild and suitable for extended outdoor stays. Enthusiasts of al-Kashtah, known as al-Kashatah, closely monitor weather conditions and track the times following rainfall. Unlike traditional camping, al-Kashtah does not involve overnight stays. It typically lasts for several hours or half a day, usually starting at midday and ending by night, although it may extend into the early hours of dawn. The locations and specifics of al-Kashtah vary based on local culture and the weather in each province. People from the central and northern areas of the Kingdom often head to deserts, valleys, or plains, which are covered in green plants and colorful wildflowers during spring, including lavender with its violet hue. As expressed in folk poetry:

'O Abu Ali, let's head back, we seek our spot... For this grove offers us no place to settle

We want greenery to surround our Kashtah (place we stay) ... far away from the valley.'

Here, the poet wishes for their Kashtah location to be in a place where greenery grows—a clean, sandy area. Residents of the southern provinces of the Kingdom prefer al-Kashtah during the summer and fall seasons due to the mild weather and abundant rainfall in the higher-altitude areas. This allows them to visit farms, forests, or mountain viewpoints. Meanwhile, those living in the coastal provinces east and west of the Kingdom prefer heading to the beaches to enjoy their Kashtah there.

Al-Kashtah is a gathering that brings together family members or groups of friends. It typically involves setting a fire, known as Shabbat al-Nar, and gathering around it. Participants in al-Kashtah share the responsibilities of preparing for the trip and bringing its essentials, such as firewood, cookware, and snacks. They also share the task of preparing the food, which is usually cooked in the form of grilling or traditional Saudi dishes, such as al-Kabsah or al-Mandi. The rituals of al-Kashtah also include preparing local drinks over the fire, such as coffee and tea, which acquire a unique flavor through this method. Entertainment activities are an integral part of al-Kashtah and may include off-roading in the sand, riding bikes and ATVs, leisurely strolling, playing folk and card games, and searching for truffles, which grow in certain areas of the Kingdom's center, north, and east during the spring.