BEAUTIFULLY crafted handicrafts by Bahraini and Omani artisans are being showcased at a festival in Manama.
The fourth annual Handicrafts Festival, Hurafuna (Our Crafts), is being held at the permanent handicrafts market located at Bab Al Bahrain in Manama Suq until tomorrow.
This year’s edition includes the participation of 10 Bahraini craftsmen along with 10 of their Omani counterparts in a beautiful display of heritage and culture set against a background of traditional music.
Among the Bahraini crafts on display are dhow builders, pottery, embroidery and traditional chests, along with handmade jewellery, basket weaving and local perfumes from Oman.
The festival also includes performances by traditional Bahraini bands and is being held to coincide with Formula One activities, which are ongoing at the Bahrain International Circuit with the main race taking place today.
“The festival aims to promote the traditional crafts of both countries,” said a member of the organising team.
“There are a total of 20 booths set up for the craftsmen during the festival, 10 for the Bahrainis, including dhow builders and pottery makers, and another 10 for their Omani counterparts.
“The highlights include basket weaving, traditional perfumes and incense like bukhoor, and handmade jewellery.
“Men and women from both the countries are here and the crowd is overwhelming.
“There are two stages set up where local Bahraini bands and traditional songs will be featured, along with traditional food which is also part of the festival.”
Since its inception, the festival hosts artisans from different countries with last year’s guest being Egypt as part of plans to boost bilateral relations.
The festival will be open from 5pm to 11pm until tomorrow at the permanent handicrafts market in Bab Al Bahrain in the Manama Suq.
It is being organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) under the patronage of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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