Sea festival gets underway
Manama : Scores of people are descending on the ‘Sea Festival’ at Bahrain Bay to enjoy a long and colourful weekend of fun.
The event, hosted by The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority showcases the Kingdom’s connection to the sea, tying it with the heritage, traditions and activities to the growth of Bahrain during early years.
The festival also aims to educate tourists and the new generation about the history of the sea and its evolution.
Versatile events and activities such as pearl diving and dhow making are the major attractions. Other activities include an underwater photography exhibition, interactive fish tank, live performances along with food and beverage. The public also have an opportunity to purchase Bahraini pearls from the merchants.
“This is the first time I am visiting a festival completely devoted to the traditions linked to the sea. What appealed to me the most was the ‘underwater stimulator’. We get a virtual experience of the sea with sea-themed movies while on the VR stimulator chairs,” said Dr. Sanjay Agarwal, who visited the festival along with his kid, to DT News, yesterday.
DT News spoke to Marc Parry from UK, who interacts with kids during the festival with his giant Lobster named ‘Larry’. “This is the first time I am visiting Bahrain and I was enchanted by the reception I got here,” said Marc.
The festival also caters to the making of traditional baskets, miniature ships, net making and underwater photography exhibitions.
Mohammed Al Jalhma, a University of Bahrain student, whose photographs are displayed in the exhibition said, “I started underwater exploration and the capturing of strange beauty of marine life since 2007. I believe in encouraging young people to improve their skills in scuba diving and photography because it teaches us patience, fortitude and love for challenges.”
The event, aims to promote the various elements related to the sea industry including pearl diving, in order to preserve it for the next generation.
The highlight of this years festival will be a parade led by traditional dhows creating a colourful flotilla. BD2 entrance fee is applicable for the sea festival which concludes on 29 October.
Basket Making
Ship Making
Traditional Net Making
Mohammed Al Jalhma
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