The curtain has fallen on the 29th edition of the annual Heritage Festival, organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at Souq Al Baraha in Diyar Al-Muharraq between April 5 and 8.
Themed “Ramadan Traditions”, the four-night festival featured numerous activities that shed light on various aspects of Bahrain’s cultural heritage during the holy month of Ramadan.
BACA indicated that this year’s Heritage Festival, which concluded Saturday, had provided an opportunity to visitors to learn about the authentic traditions formed by the local community and related to the holy month, through a varied lineup of entertainment activities.
BACA extended thanks to all festival sponsors, including Souq Al Baraha, which hosted the event and provided all facilities to ensure its successful organisation.
The festival shed light on Ramadan customs in Bahrain, such as Gergaoun, family gatherings, El Misaharaty (Ramadan drummer), folk games, Iftar cannon, Ramadan Sufra (table or cloth for serving food) and popular food.
The programme included musical performances by famous folklore bands, face painting, traditional games, Hazawi (folk tales) and tasting experiences of many Ramadan foods, in addition to a market for traditional Bahraini products.
The annual festival aimed to emphasise the authenticity of these Ramadan customs and their connection with the identity, culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Bahrainis are keen to adhere to these traditions and pass them from one generation to another, despite the changes that occurred in the contemporary lifestyle.
Since its launch in 1992, under the patronage of HM the King, the Heritage Festival has provided an opportunity to shed light on the elements of tangible and intangible Bahraini heritage. It is a national platform in which Bahraini traditions are showcased to highlight the value of the national heritage and raise awareness of its importance and the need to preserve and preserve it for future generations.
Source: Bahrain News Agency (BNA)
