Four days of cultural activities have been announced by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) to commemorate the kingdom’s National Day celebrations at its Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
The celebrations will kick off today with a musical performance by Hasan Hujairi and Kawol Samarqandi at 3pm in Japan (Bahrain time 9am). The performance is titled ‘Twenty Years Later’.
“Music features prominently in the Pavilion experience through the works of Bahraini artist and researcher Hassan Hujairi, who presents sound installations across different areas of the Pavilion inspired by traditional Bahraini arts, particularly the art of Fjiri,” organisers explained, in a statement.
“Reinterpreted in a contemporary form, these installations engage audiences and open new horizons for understanding Bahraini culture.
“Music here is not limited to a single artwork, but rather forms a central thread throughout the Pavilion, complementing architecture, visual art, and culinary experiences to provide visitors with a comprehensive portrait of Bahrain’s cultural identity.
“It highlights how the arts, and music in particular, serve as bridges of communication and mutual understanding with diverse international audiences.”
Tomorrow will be the official National Day of the Bahrain Pavilion and celebrations are being held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The culture of Nahma and Fjiri music will be a significant part of the National Day celebrations at the pavilion
As part of the festivities tomorrow, the ‘Art of Arabic Calligraphy’ and the ‘Arabic Coffee Experience’ will take place at the pavilion from 11am to noon (Bahrain time 5am to 6am).
At the same time, the Bahrain Police Band will conduct a parade under the grand ring.
The official National Day Ceremony will take place from 3.30pm to 4.15pm (Bahrain 9.30am to 10.15am).
The GDN had previously reported that HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister will be on an official visit to Japan and witnessing the pavilion’s National Day Celebrations.
There will also be a concert at 6pm (Bahrain Noon) titled ‘Bahrain’s Music Across Time’.
The kingdom’s musical history will connect international visitors to the kingdom’s past
“This carefully curated performance transitions seamlessly between Bahrain’s traditional arts and a finale that blends heritage with contemporary styles,” organisers explained.
“It begins with Nahma, and songs once performed on pearl-diving vessels, followed by Fjiri, performed by the Qalali Folk Band.
“The programme continues with a segment dedicated to fan al-sawt, a musical genre that originated in Bahrain and was developed by renowned musicians Mohammed bin Faris, Dhahi bin Walid and Mohammed Zuwayed.
“The evening closes with a piano solo by Bahraini artist Noor Al Qassim. Rising Bahraini talents including Abdulrahman Awadh, Abdulla Haji, and Mohammed Aseeri will also take part, under the artistic direction of Bahraini maestro Ziad Zaiman.”
The concert will be accompanied by a video presentation showcasing major Bahraini fine art pieces by Abbas Al Mosawi, Abduljabbar Al Ghadban, Abdulla Al Muharraqi, Abdulkarim Al Bosta, Hussain Al Sunni, Rashid Al Oraifi, Rashid Suwar and Yousif Qassim.
These events will take place at the National Day Hall within the Pavilion.
Bahrain’s maritime heritage is a centrepiece at the pavilion
On Friday and Saturday, there will be a series of calligraphy workshops, coffee tastings and music including fan al-sawt, Bahraini jazz, Bahraini songs, and traditional melodies, from 11am to 8pm (Bahrain 5am to 2pm).
“Bringing together traditional and contemporary forms, the events will feature leading Bahraini musicians and bands which will showcase the country’s ability to engage with international audiences of diverse cultures and backgrounds,” organisers added.
“Once again, Bahraini music will affirm its role as a bridge for connection and cultural exchange.”
Bahrain’s Pavilion themed ‘Connecting Seas’ is aimed at deepening understanding between participants, enhancing cultural exchange and strengthening international relations, weaving the story of the kingdom’s maritime history with its aspirations for the future.
Located in the ‘Empowering Lives’ zone, the 995-square-metre pavilion stands four storeys high with sea views and is built mainly from wood and cooled naturally by sea breezes, making it one of the most sustainable structures at the expo.
Expo 2025 Osaka runs until October 13 and is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors from around the world, with participation from approximately 150 countries.
n For more information, visit the Bahrain Pavilion website or follow @CultureBah and @bahatexpo on social media.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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