AN exciting calendar of events has been announced for next month, which will see the return of the beloved Muharraq Nights festival, Mara’ee 2025 and Hawa Manama.
The fourth edition of Muharraq Nights is set to take place from December 1 to 31, while the Mara’ee 2025 celebration of local agriculture and animal production will take centre stage from December 9 to 13 and Hawa Manama will run from December 25 this year to January 15 next year.
Organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), Muharraq Nights will take place along the 3.5km-long Pearling Path, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) World Heritage Site.
“The Muharraq Nights Festival is one of the key highlights of the annual Celebrate Bahrain season, brilliantly transforming the historic Pearling Path in Muharraq,” organisers said in a statement.
“This vibrant festival turns the district’s streets and alleys into a lively hub of culture, art, music and diverse culinary delights.”
An array of engaging activities specially designed for children, alongside a variety of food options for culinary enthusiasts have been planned for the month-long event.
Musical performances, captivating shows and artistic exhibitions will take place every evening within the historic houses and open courtyards along the Pearling Path.
In addition, family-friendly guided tours will educate visitors on the fascinating stories behind the enduring legacy of this iconic heritage site.
The site offers a unique glimpse into Bahrain’s economic and societal history shaped by its former lucrative pearling trade.
According to previous reports in the GDN, Muharraq Nights has proven to be a major attraction, drawing more than half a million visits across its various sites last year.
Earlier this year, 16 historic buildings along the Pearling Path were restored in a major milestone of the ‘Muharraq City’ development initiative aimed at safeguarding history and building for the future.
Muharraq, once the capital of Bahrain and now a symbol of the kingdom’s historical identity, spans 3.5km and weaves together natural, architectural and urban elements – including traditional homes, cultural landmarks and public spaces.
As part of a royal directive by His Majesty King Hamad to preserve Bahrain’s historical and cultural identity, the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry is also advancing housing projects in Muharraq, in conjunction with the restoration of Isa Al Kabeer Palace and the city’s overall redevelopment.
The first phase of this ambitious project includes the construction and renovation of around 300 housing units, with the total capacity reaching approximately 2,000 units in future.
Meanwhile, the eighth edition of the annual Bahrain Animal and Agriculture Production Show (Mara’ee 2025) will take place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir and is being organised by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry.
“This event is the region’s largest dedicated exhibition and serves as a vital platform for advancing the kingdom’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security,” organisers added, in a statement.
In addition, the kingdom’s first Coffee festival will also take place from December 9 to 13 at Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir offering coffee-lovers a chance to enjoy live brews and tastings, while immersing themselves in the heritage of the caffeinated beverage.
In addition, to commemorate Bahrain’s National Day, a fireworks and drone show will take place on December 16, across multiple sites, which will be announced soon.
From December 25 to January 10, the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir will also play host to the ‘Wen W Bkm’ (Arabic: where and how much) festival, featuring an oasis of markets, performances and activities for all ages, bringing more than 160 shops and businesses from across Bahrain and the Gulf under one roof.
To wrap up the month, the old market streets, squares, and shopping centres in Manama will come alive with performances that celebrate Bahrain’s identity and diversity across different eras, during the ‘Hawa Manama’ festival.
There will also be fireworks at Bahrain Bay on December 31 to celebrate the new year.