The much-anticipated Muharraq Nights lit up the Pearling Path yesterday as it kicked off in spectacular style, celebrating the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant artistic scene.
Stretching along the Unesco-listed 3.5km Pearling Path, the festival brings the historic route to life from Bu Mahir to the Siyadi Majlis, connecting historic houses from Bahrain’s pearling era, blending the authenticity of the past with modern innovation.
“Muharraq nights celebrates art and culture throughout the historic city of Muharraq and the Pearling Path,” Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told the GDN.
“The diversity presented in this year’s edition is quite unique, and is complemented by several historic properties, giving visitors the opportunity to interact with Bahrain’s historic city.”
Reflecting on previous editions, he expressed pride in seeing how the festival continues to grow and improve each year, and invited citizens and residents alike to enjoy the experience.
“This year is the best in terms of the options – music, art and design – and truly showcases Bahrain’s culture and heritage in a beautiful way,” he added.
The festival runs daily until December 30, from 5pm to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday and from 5pm to midnight from Thursday to Saturday.
Along the path, visitors can explore a series of captivating exhibitions, in collaboration with art institutions such as Al Riwaq Art Space and Albareh Art Space, as well as solo showcases by Shaikha Dwa Al Khalifa, Latifa Khalid Al Shaikh and Majid Al Yousif.
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Shaikha Dwa’s exhibition, entitled ‘Freej Lights’ celebrates the spirit of Bahraini neighbourhoods through illuminated light tubes shaped into animated figured of children playing football in the area’s narrow alleys, interactive photography installations capturing moments across the Pearling Path and an exhibition highlighting Bahraini divers.
‘A History of Pearls’ traces the background of the treasured jewellery pieces dating back centuries, highlighting the accounts by Arabs and international travellers on pearl diving and the evolution of Bahrain’s pearl economy through time. It is being held near the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre.
A range of activities and events will be held throughout the month including cultural heritage traditional crafts at Bait Al Naqda, Tujjar Avenue, Bu Mahir Avenue and Suq Al Qaysariyyah Avenue, Depaj Swords Workshop, and Al Darwaza Carpentry, among others.
This year’s edition also features expanded book spaces offering a wide selection of titles, alongside an array of shops, food stalls, additional exhibitions and cultural activations throughout Old Muharraq.
For more details on the festival programme, timings or event locations, visit www.pearlingpath.bh or follow Baca on social media.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
Selected events
December 5,12,19 and 26: On Board the Jalboot at Qal’at Bu Mahir Port (4pm)
December 8 to 30: The Champions Adventure Room at Badr Ghulum and Turabi Houses
December 12: Fatema Story: Al Dana Treasure Hunt at Fakhro House (5pm)
December 19: The Story Shop: Folk Tales at Sophia Bookstore (5.30pm)
December 25: Fruits of Letters: Learn Arabic at Sophia Bookstore (4.30pm)
December 27: Bahrain’s Boats at Pearling Path Visitor Centre
December 30: Pottery Making at Pearling Path Visitor Centre
December 3: Mohamed Al Arayedh and his band
December 4: Ahmed and Noor Al Basri
December 5: Evening of Al Sawt music with Rashed Zowayed and Mohammed Bin Faris Band
December 6: Arab music evenings with Ali Khaled and his band
December 12: Khaleeji evenings with Mohammed Al Arayedh and his band
December 13: Melodies of memory Maryam Rashed
December 24: National Day Evening (Bahrain Club; 8pm to 10pm)
December 25: Women’s traditional folklore (Suq Block 216; 7pm)
December 26: Dar Al Riffa Al Ouda Band (Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre) and Hussain Nasrallah (Al Fareeda Sqaure, 7.30pm)
December 27: Shabab Al Hidd Band (Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre; 7pm)
December 28: Dar Bin Harban Band (Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre; 7pm)
December 29: Kawkab Al Sharq evenings – Najma Abdullah (The House;7pm)
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