23 March 2023
Curtain Fell on Bahrain Culture Authority’s 17th Edition of Spring of Culture Festival, after it has entertained the public with a magnificent diverse cultural program in February and March
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities concluded the bouquet of cultural activities scheduled by its 17th Edition of the Spring of Culture Festival, coinciding start of the holy month of f Ramadan, after an intensive program of cultural activity that it presented during the months of February and March 2023. Indeed, the final cultural event was organized at Bahrain National Museum Library to celebrate World Poetry Day together with Arab Poetry Day.
Indeed, the famous annual major cultural event, BACA’s Spring of Culture Festival was launched in mid-February by the Culture Authority, co-organized with Shaikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture & Research, and Al Dana Amphitheater, in cooperation with Al Riwaq Art Space, Al Bareh Fine Arts and Art Concept. The Spring of Culture this year was strategically sponsored by the Economic Development Board, had a Golden sponsorship from Tamkeen, and Silver sponsorship from Aluminum Bahrain (Alba) and the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait. In addition, A number of embassies also contributed to its program, namely: Italy, the United States of America, India, Japan and France.
Noteworthy that the festival coincided with a music concert, “ Ya Zainah”, celebrating the National Action Charter Anniversary, on 14 February, which was held on the stage of the Bahrain National Theater, performed by the distinguished Bahraini artist Ahmed Al-Jumairi, accompanied by the Bahrain Music Ensemble, led by Maestro Ziyad Ziman. The theater also hosted an exceptional performance by the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Maestro Dr. Mubarak Najem, with the participation of Bahraini and Arab artists. In addition, the Cultural Hall hosted a number of performances organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, such as Omar Rahbani's concert, the Passport Musical Ensemble, and the Bahraini artist Alaa Ghawas' concert.
In addition, the Cultural Hall, in cooperation with the French Embassy in Bahrain, hosted a group of French musicians, while in cooperation with the Embassy of India in the Kingdom, the hall revived Qawali Night. From Italy came the "Italian Journey" concert in cooperation with the Italian Embassy in Bahrain, and in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States of America, the Brass-a-Holics band performed a concert in which the Bahraini artist Ahmed Al-Qassim participated. From Spain, Diego Valdiva presented a concert entitled "Flavors from the South". Moreover, at the Qal'at al-Bahrain Site Museum, Majaz Band held a public musical evening. In addition, popular folklore and folk arts were present at the Spring of Culture Festival, whereby BACA scheduled a number of music events presented in many places, such as Dar Al Muharraq, Dar Bin Harban and Dar Al Riffa Al Ouda. Groups such as Qalali Troupe, Dar Bin Harban Troupe, Al Hidd Youth Troupe and Dar Al-Riffa Al-Sagheera Band performed these music evenings.
With regard to exhibitions and plastic arts, Bahrain Culture Authority presented a number of exhibitions, starting with the "Living Sea" exhibition by Prince Hussain Aga Khan and Simon Piccoli at the Bahrain National Museum. The "Features of Bahrain Civilization" exhibition, which was hosted by the Seef Mall in cooperation with the Gulf University, while the Authority's Art Center hosted the "Golden Ratio" exhibition by artist Dr. Mayassa Al-Sowaidi and the Visual Arts Exhibition 2023 for students of Shaikha Hessa School for Girls in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program in Visual Arts. The Bahrain National Museum Lecture Hall also hosted a series of literary and intellectual lectures, and presented to cinema lovers the Japanese Film Festival in cooperation with the Bahraini Embassy in Bahrain. Moreover, Bahrain Culture, in cooperation with the E-scooter, the public participated in a tour along the Pearling Path site in Muharraq, and with the support of the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), the Authority held a walkathon from the site of Qal’at al Bahrain Fort to the Barbar Temple. In addition, the festival concluded its activities this year with children workshops, such as “The Little Archeologist", introducing children and young adults to archaeological sites and their hidden treasures of valuable artifacts.
In addition, Bahrain Culture Authority has presented, in a number of cultural sites in the city of Muharraq, such as the Archaeologies of Green Antiquities Pavilion, the Pearling Path Visitor Center and Bu Maher Fort, many unique cultural experiences. BACA’s new pioneering food tasting endeavor “Muharraq Supper Club” attracted many participants who enjoyed the authentic Bahraini flavors and tasting experiences prepared by Chef Yousif Qambar and Chef Khaled Al-Saie.
