Riffa Views International School (RVIS) celebrated Bahrain National Day with a vibrant showcase of traditional dance, food and crafts.
Students, parents and staff came together in a spirited display of pride, participating in activities and performances that highlighted the kingdom’s rich heritage and history.
The celebration marked the culmination of a week-long culture programme, during which students of all ages and nationalities learned about Bahrain’s history, traditions and identity through hands-on activities such as pottery, falconry experiences and art workshops.
Throughout the week, students also enjoyed traditional Bahraini lunches.
Thursday’s festivities began with a flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by the recitation of the National Anthem. A special assembly featured plays and traditional dances, including Heya Beya, Gergaoun, Ardha, and others, with Bahraini students dressed in traditional clothing and the colours of the Bahraini flag, supported by their expatriate classmates.
The event concluded with a lively traditional suq, where families explored heritage crafts and interactive activities. Visitors tried papermaking, browsed handmade bags, and even took part in oyster shucking, making the event both educational and memorable.
“This is my first Bahraini National Day, and we have had an ultra-week here at the school,” principal Michael Donaldson told the GDN. “I have only been in the kingdom for about four months, after spending 25 years in China even though I am originally from Canada. It has been an amazing experience so far. I have learned so much about the people of Bahrain – they are warm, open and welcoming.”
He added that the school thrives on a strong sense of community. “We may be a small school, but we are an important one for our families and students,” he added. “We always say we aspire to be the greatest school in Bahrain – and to us that means being the best school for our community and for our learners.”
RVIS Grade 12 student Zain Madallal reflected on the joy of celebrating the kingdom’s culture. “There were so many fun activities and it feels wonderful to be part of Bahrain and its traditions,” she told the GDN. “At our school, we have a very diverse community – students from Bahrain, Jordan like myself, Morocco, Tunisia and many other places.
“It is amazing to study alongside people from different backgrounds and it is especially enjoyable to learn about the kingdom’s culture, as we do during National Day. It has always been such a vibrant and beautiful culture.”
Meanwhile, Abdullah Samad and his wife Aya, from Lebanon, who recently enrolled their five-year-old son, Majed, at the school, said they were pleasantly surprised by the vibrant celebration organised for the RVIS community.
“We’re extremely happy to be here, as Bahrain is a beautiful country. If you had asked us last year what we thought of the kingdom, we would have said we had no idea. But now, after being here for about three months, we can confidently say it is a wonderful place with so much to offer.”
He added that the people they have met have been incredibly kind to his family, especially within the school community.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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