The third edition of the popular Muharraq Nights festival is set to kick off tomorrow and will feature a host of cultural events aimed at highlighting the rich history of the Pearling Path.
The festival, which will run until December 30, is being organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), and will include a number of food, music and art-related events, all taking place along the 3.5-kilometre-long Pearling Path.
“Muharraq, the cultural heart of Bahrain, is preparing to welcome visitors to the third edition of the Muharraq Nights Festival, which will take place from December 5 to 30,” a Baca spokesperson explained, in a statement.
“The festival coincides with the occasion of Bahrain’s celebration of its National Day and the anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Hamad to the throne and the accompanying national events.”
For the first time in the festival’s history, all the historical houses along the Pearling Path will open their doors to the public, showcasing exhibitions and collections that highlight the city’s cultural and historical significance.
Set within the Unesco World Heritage site, guests will be able to ‘wander through the historic houses, squares and visitor centres of Muharraq, which is also listed amongst Unesco’s Creative Cities Network, and immerse themselves in an atmosphere of culture and tradition’, according to organisers.
From Sunday to Wednesday, activities are available between 5pm and 10pm, and from Thursday to Saturday, from 5pm until midnight.
This year’s festival brings together an exciting range of activities for all ages, including art and design exhibitions, traditional crafts, children’s activities, live music performances, culinary experiences, interactive workshops and tours.
Twenty-nine art pieces reflecting the cultural heritage of Muharraq and its pearling history are being showcased by Al Riwaq Art Space as part of the festival.
A special mural on the exterior walls of late Bahraini musician Mohammed Zowayed’s home will pay homage to six decades of musical excellence.
In addition, the Pearling Path Visitor Centre will host an exhibition showcasing the history of pearls in Bahrain, going back to 6,500BC.
The Art Station will also be showcasing a number of projects, including ‘Faces of Muharraq’ as well as pieces by Georgian artists and projects created by some of the residents within the emerging art space.
The Bahrain French Cultural Centre will be showcasing local talents in the art of printmaking from December 10 to 30, while Bin Matar House will be hosting Abdul Rahim Sharif’s exhibition titled ‘Those Who Descended From The Sky’ throughout the festival.
Ta’a Al Shabab youth festival will be returning to Ta’a Al Shabab’s House, with a selection of cultural events including discussion panels and exhibitions.
Night markets will also highlight Bahraini brands at the Ali Rashid Fakhro building, while Jamsheer House will host a serious of sessions about rethinking architecture and design, featuring Farah Abdul Hamid tomorrow talking about jewellery and Dr Wafa Al Ghatem on Friday discussing the urban fabric of Manama and Muharraq.
Traditional crafts including gypsum carving, sword-making, jewellery making, dhow making, gold embroidery will be highlighted throughout the festival.
Musical performers including Faisal Al Ansari, Mohammed Asiri, Mezicana Band with Yara, Rashid Zowayed, Mohammed Bin Faris Band, Hussain Aseeri, Mohammed Al Marbati and friends, Majaz, Dandana and Relocators will also be performing on different days throughout the festival.
UAE-based independent arthouse movie theatre Akil Cinema will also be presenting a curated programme of films from December 19 to 23.
A joint programme between the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Bahrain and the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, ‘Buthoor Al Bahrain’ will also be giving away trees to attendees from their truck, parked near Bin Fakhro House.
For more information and updates, visit the official Pearling Path website at www.pearlingpath.bh or follow Baca on social media @CultureBah, and the Pearling Path @pearlingpath.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
rima@gdnmedia.bh
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