Hundreds of people flocked to the Marassi Beach in Diyar Al Muharraq last night as Bahrain’s popular annual Sea Festival opened.
The 10-day extravaganza organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) in collaboration with Eagle Hills Diyar, the developer of the Marassi Al Bahrain development, showcases Bahraini heritage linked to the sea.
Craftsmen weaving fishing nets, artists doing calligraphy on shells, men imitating traditions on the beach and women weaving baskets were on show.
The festival was opened by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani along with BTEA chairman Nader Almoayed.
“As we know the sea festival is linked to Bahrain’s sea tradition,” Mr Almoayed told the GDN.
“This year the area of exhibition is larger than last year, which went up to 15,000 sqm from 9,000 sqm.
“This year, based on public feedback, we have more water-related activities, like water sport.
“We also have boat builders, craftsmen, divers and a number of other activities.
“We expect the number of visitors to be more than 25,000 over the 10 days.”
Men dancing and singing to the tunes of traditional music added to the rhythms of the festival’s opening.
Visitors will also be offered the chance to try their luck at opening oysters to see if they could find a pearl or two.
This year’s edition of the festival also features an on-stage Sea World Performance (Cirque De La Mer), a museum, outdoor cinema and an interactive play area for children.
The festival comes in line with the BTEA’s overall strategy aimed at developing and strengthening the tourism sector under the slogan ‘Ours. Yours’, which contributes towards the kingdom’s economy and 2030 Economic Vision.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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