Heritage Festival opens under King’s patronage

Manama, Apr. 5 (BNA): The 25th edition of the Bahrain Heritage Festival got underway today. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa deputized His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa to inaugurate the event held at Bahrain Fort The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) is holding the annual event under the theme “Springs’ Tales”. HH Shaikh Isa expressed delight at opening the festival, on behalf of HM the King, as it celebrates its silver jubilee. He paid tribute to HM the King for his personal keenness on the festival since its inception in 1992, stressing the importance of the royal support in turning the event into an iconic cultural milestone which epitomizes Bahraini identity and rich human heritage. He congratulated Shaikha Mai on the constant success of the festival which, he said, played a crucial role in cementing the spirit of belonging and Bahraini identity pride and bolstering generational appreciation of national cultural and civilisational legacy in Bahrain. He lauded the 2017 edition and hailed the organisers’ keenness on reviving Bahrain’s popular heritage linked to springs and social customs which left their imprint on people’s daily life. “The festival showcases artworks and traditional crafts which portray natural springs, agrarian villages and workshops which target youngsters”, he said. HH Shaikh Isa toured different sections of the festival and traditional suq. BACA President paid tribute to HM the King for his keenness on valuing Bahrain’s longstanding heritage, hailing the royal patronage of the annual festival as reflecting a wise vision to promote Bahrain’s culture. She also expressed thanks to HH Shaikh Isa for opening the festival on behalf of HM the King.