Festivals & Holidays In Bahrain

Bahrain is a Muslim country. Therefore, the majority of local holidays are religious. Additionally, several festivals are hosted here. In Muslim nations, the New Year is not celebrated on January 1. Muslims celebrate the New Year on a different date. In some nations, the celebrating of the New Year on January 1 is strictly prohibited. Bahrain is not among these nations. After achieving independence in the 1970s, the nation’s economy continued to grow significantly. Numerous foreigners started to arrive in Bahrain. Today, they constitute nearly half of the country’s population. Consequently, numerous prominent hotels and nightclubs celebrate the New Year with shows, parties, and fireworks.

On December 16-17, we commemorate Independence Day. This day is a holiday. Bahrain has been ruled by multiple states during the course of its history. The Sassanid Empire, the Arab Caliphate, the Emirate of Hormuz, Portugal, and Iran were among these nations. Since the 1870s, the country has been under the protection of the United Kingdom. Under the rule of Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Bahrain attained its freedom. This took place in 1971. Large-scale celebrations feature pyrotechnics, cultural performances, and exhibitions.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Culture hosts an annual TA’a Al Shabab celebration. During it, numerous competitions and exhibitions are held. This includes architectural displays, as well as exhibitions on new technologies, the cultural heritage of the Arab world, the media, and diverse arts (poetry, theater, music, and science). Volunteers organize every event. In 1992, the first Cultural Heritage Festival was organized. Nonetheless, it already has a stellar reputation. It is ruled by King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. At the festival, traditional folk arts are highly represented. These include basketry, ceramics, jewelry, and Arabic calligraphy. There are also exhibitions of traditional arts and civilizations. National music may be heard everywhere. During the event, you can learn a great deal about pearl fishing and falconry. You can also view pearl fishermen’s traditional dwellings and listen to their music. There are special educational shows for children. They are fundamental to the existence of pearl fishermen.

Arabia Show is a jewelry holiday. It occurs annually in November. This event draws exhibitors from over the Arab world to the Bahrain International exhibition center. Everything is available for foreign guests at the show. There are vintage pieces of jewelry, watches, diamonds and precious stones, gold pieces of jewelry, and silverware produced by hand. Always present at the exhibition are items from Valentino, Chanel, Versace, Gucci, Swatch, Omega, Patek Philippe, and many other renowned brands. Arab generosity also grants women the luxury of viewing and selecting jewels in a safe environment.

The date of the Islamic New Year is calculated using the lunar calendar and other Islamic holiday dates. This day marks the beginning of the historical Hijra, a journey from Medina to Mecca. The Islamic calendar comprises 354 days. The Muslim New Year is a national holiday.

According to the lunar calendar, the start date of Ramadan is calculated in the same manner. During this month, devout Muslims pray and fast throughout the day. They do not consume anything before dusk. Numerous Muslims rise before dusk to get breakfast before beginning their workday. Eid al-Fitr is a celebration celebrating the completion of the month of Ramadan. It is observed on a grand scale. This is a family vacation. Family members meet together. They consume a lot of food and distribute food and money to the destitute. The Prophet observed the feast for the first time in 624, following the victory in the Battle of Badr.

Eid al-Adha is a sacrifice-centered holiday. This is yet another incredibly significant date on the Islamic calendar. It is the penultimate stage of the Mecca pilgrimage. A certain occurrence is connected to the appearance of a holiday. Ibrahim intended to offer his kid as a sacrifice to God. But he was halted at the last second by a voice from the sky. His son was substituted with a lamb. Muslims do this ceremony again by slaughtering a cow or a sheep. The donors and their families consume one-third of the meat. They distribute the remaining one-third to family and friends. The remaining one-third is distributed to the underprivileged.

On the tenth day of the first month of the Islamic calendar, Ashura Day is honored. This date commemorates the death of Husayn Ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet, at the Battle of Karbala in 680. Sunnis and Shiites observe this day in various ways. However, it is a day of sadness and prayer for both religions.

The Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is observed in the third month of the Islamic calendar. Sunnis and Shiites observe the holiday on separate days. Some Sunni sects do not observe this holiday at all. On this day, religious music concerts are organized. You will also get the opportunity to attend religious-themed talks. The holiday was initially observed for the first time in the eighth century. During this time, the former home of the Prophet in Mecca was converted into a place of worship. In remembrance of this occasion, the Milad un Nabi festival with processions and celebrations is conducted.

Day of Arafah is not a national holiday. It signals the conclusion of the Hajj to Mecca. On this day, pilgrims visit Mount Arafat and offer prayers. On this day, it is said that the significance of all deeds, good and bad, multiplies many times.