concerts by the Mohamed Bin Faris band that highlighted the the musical heritage of pearl diving, wedding seasons, and Bahrain’ s culture. Additionally, singers from across the globe travelled to the festival, from Morocco, to Korea, and the Whirling Dervishes from Turkey that enlivened the festival spirit, among many other international acts and performers that were a part of the Spring of Culture in 2018.
Continuing the spirit of celebrating Bahrain, BACA put together an impressive program for a book fair, launching the 28th of March. The 10-day book fair, taking place on Arad Fort, was organized to teach and instill in the younger generation the importance of the written word. Bringing together 400 publishing houses from around the world, the bi-yearly fair also has book signings, film screenings, and activities for the families and kids.“ I think it is the main source of knowledge and development for any society. And in a day and age where publications are being cancelled and turned into a digital format, it is important to highlight and support publishing houses” says Sheikha Hala. Following that, BACA will also open the Heritage Festival, and Sheikha Hala explains that as an institution that works on certain pillars that continue year after year, the Heritage Festival is particularly important as it highlights the history, crafts, art, food, music, and culture. Ensuring majority of their events are taking place in Muharraq, Sheikha Hala notes it was vital that Muharraq is the epicenter of the cultural activities and festivities taking place to continuously commemorate its selection as the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2018, and even spoke about how the opening of the Pearling Path at the end of the year- the second world heritage site to be inscribed into the UNESCO list- is the jewel in the crown of Muharraq as it relays the relationship of Bahrain and its people with the sea, and would further highlight the significance of Muharraq, not only within Bahrain, but within the GCC- even though it is a project BACA has not worked on.
Bahrain’ s list of cultural achievements only seems to be growing in 2018, as the the annual UNESCO meeting will also be hosted by the island Kingdom in collaboration with BACA. The delegation which will include around 1500 specialists from all the world to select world heritage sites will be held over the course of 10 days in the Kingdom, and Sheikha Hala adds it is a huge privilege to host a delegation of such a grandiose nature, and is an important step in cementing Bahrain’ s status as a culturally rich and diverse nation.
SPRING 2018
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