31 December 2024
Muharraq Nights Festival Concludes Its Third Edition
President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities: The festival succeeded in reviving the cultural and civilisational heritage of Muharraq.
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities successfully concluded the third edition of Muharraq Nights festival on Monday, 30 December 2024. The festival, which began earlier this month, transformed the historic city into a vibrant cultural and tourist hub, blending heritage with modernity and further elevating Muharraq’s status locally and regionally.
The festival, held daily along the 3.5-kilometre Pearling Path from Bu Mahir’s seashore to Siyadi Majlis, coincided with the occasion of the Kingdom of Bahrain's celebration of its National Day and the anniversary of the accession of His Majesty the King to the throne and the accompanying national events.
His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, affirmed that the festival aligns with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision of establishing Muharraq as a prominent regional and global cultural centre. He praised the ongoing efforts of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in revitalising the city and preserving its rich history and heritage. He emphasised that Muharraq plays a prominent role in Bahrain’s historical narrative and is rich in human heritage, culture, and social legacy.
His Excellency stated: “At the close of Muharraq Nights Festival, we are proud to have achieved our goal of reviving the cultural and civilisational heritage of Muharraq. The festival, spanning the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pearling Path, has turned the city into a dynamic hub where heritage and modernity coexist in a unique environment.”
He added, “The festival has raised awareness of Muharraq’s historical importance, strengthened local pride in our cultural heritage, and fostered a deeper sense of Bahraini identity. It has also provided a platform for interaction between residents and visitors, within Bahrain and abroad, through a wide array of activities spanning arts, crafts, music, food, design, and more. This has contributed to the city's economic revival, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each day and supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. The suqs and exhibitions held in the historic houses have become key attractions.”
He continued, “The success of the festival underscores the importance of culture in revitalising historic cities and transforming them into cultural and tourist destinations that strengthen local communities and national identity. We look forward to continuing to establish Muharraq as a cultural symbol that highlights Bahrain’s place on the global cultural map.”
His Excellency also expressed his gratitude to the festival’s supporters and all the organisations that contributed to its success, and to the people of Muharraq who welcomed visitors into their homes, reflecting the authentic Bahraini customs and traditions. He affirmed that cultural achievements are made possible through collaboration between all parties.
Muharraq Nights Festival featured activities across eight key areas: arts, design, crafts, children, food, music, activities, and tours. For the first time, the public had the opportunity to visit all historic houses along the Pearling Path, which are open year-round, and explore their exhibitions and collections, uncovering the tale of Bahrain’s pearling history.
The festival saw widespread participation from dozens of Bahraini and international artists, showcasing works that reflected the spirit and history of Muharraq. The festival attracted large crowds eager to explore the city’s vibrant art scene through indoor and outdoor exhibitions, as well as cultural tours, further solidifying Muharraq’s position as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network since 2019.
It also celebrated Bahraini creativity, blending traditional heritage with contemporary design. Over 90 local projects highlighted handcrafted and design-focused works, with activities spread across several historic houses and cultural venues along the path. These venues were transformed into platforms showcasing Bahraini heritage with a modern twist.
The festival’s musical evenings were a major highlight, featuring more than 190 performances by bands and artists from Bahrain, the Arab world, and beyond, at various venues along the Pearling Path. The festival also hosted leading folk bands, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional Bahraini folklore such as Al Fjiri, Al Sawt, and Al Ardha, at venues including Dar Al Muharraq, Mohammed Bin Faris Sut Music House, Pearling Path Visitor Centre, and Maison Jamsheer.
As for traditional crafts, many venues and houses opened their doors to showcase Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors had the chance to discover traditional Bahraini crafts at Bait Al Naqda, Dar Albanaeen Gypsum & Decorations, Goldsmiths & Jewellers along Bu Mahir Avenue and Suq Al Qaysariyyah Avenue, Depaj Swords Workshop, Al Darwasa Carpentry, Bu Zaboon Antiques, and Kurar House.
The festival also offered a family-friendly atmosphere, with a wide variety of activities for children, including art and craft sessions designed to inspire creativity and enhance their skills. In addition, culinary experiences were available at several cafes and venues along the path, offering Bahraini and international flavours.
As for tours, festival-goers also had the opportunity to explore Muharraq through a range of cultural, artistic, and food tours, providing immersive experiences catering to all tastes.
The festival was organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and received strategic support from GFH Financial Group and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, alongside partnerships with art galleries, local institutions, entrepreneurs, and non-governmental organisations.
