Annual Heritage Festival begins

HH Shaikh Isa expressed his pleasure in inaugurating the event, which marks its silver jubilee this year, on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad. His Highness praised His Majesty’s patronage and support for the festival, adding that it contributed to making the festival an important cultural and educational event within Bahrain and the GCC. His Highness noted that the festival celebrates Bahrain’s rich identity and heritage, which is unique within the history of the Gulf. 

Shaikh Isa congratulated the President of BACA, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, on the continued success of the festival, which receives a strong public turnout each year. His Highness praised the festival’s role in strengthening national pride and the Bahraini sense of identity, adding that the festival helps form links between younger generations and Bahrain’s cultural heritage.

His Highness went on to acknowledge that the festival’s theme, “Springs’ Tales”, highlights the Kingdom’s longstanding relationship to its natural springs, which form a key element of Bahrain’s national and cultural identity. Shaikh Isa noted that the festival’s celebration of Bahrain’s historic lifestyle is reflected by the artistic work and folk crafts on display. During the event’s inauguration, he toured the festival, viewing various activities and the traditional souq.

Shaikha Mai expressed her gratitude to His Majesty’s continued commitment to supporting and showcasing Bahrain’s cultural heritage, adding that His Majesty’s patronage of the festival demonstrates His Majesty’s vision and commitment to promoting Bahrain’s heritage and cultural infrastructure. Shaikha Mai further expressed gratitude to Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa for his inauguration of the festival, on behalf of His Majesty the King. Shaikha Mai noted that the festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary and that the location of the event, Bahrain Fort, is listed under the UNESCO World Heritage list. Her Excellency further noted that the title of this year’s festival, “Springs’ Tales”, reflects Bahrain’s natural water springs, which are a key element of the country’s history.  

Shaikha Mai went on to add that Bahrain’s 1,000 year old history underpins a unique identity that all citizens should be proud of. Shaikha Mai expressed gratitude to the public and private sponsors of the festival, adding that the 25th Annual Heritage Festival takes place in line with BACA’s 2017 programme of activities, under the slogan, “Our year of archaeology”.