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LOVERS of Bahrain flocked in their thousands to the car park of the National Stadium in Riffa on Thursday to take part in a mass celebration to honour the National Day of the place they call home.
Various schools, embassies and organisations showcased their love and support for the kingdom during the ‘This is Bahrain’ bonanza, which hailed the island’s cultural diversity and commemorated the anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession.
The event, organised by the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA), follows on the success of a string of international ‘This is Bahrain’ roadshows which have encompassed London, Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Washington DC and New York.
The theme this year was ‘Bahrain is United’, a motto which BFEA secretary-general Betsy Mathieson believes sums up the kingdom’s warm embrace for people of all creeds and cultures.
She said: “Today, we live here in peaceful co-existence in the spirit of mutual respect and love, just as we have for hundreds of years.
“We are very grateful that we live in Bahrain, which is the Kingdom of Love, the Kingdom of Peace, and the Kingdom where we do not simply tolerate those of other faiths and beliefs, but we warmly embrace them as part of our loving Bahraini family.
“This is Bahrain enables us to come together with our Bahraini brothers and sisters to show our love, loyalty and support to His Majesty King Hamad, the leadership and the wonderful people of Bahrain.”
The festive fair featured live entertainment, a children’s playground, an outdoor souq and 300 exhibition stands including embassies, schools, clubs, associations, societies and religious organisations.
The souq in particular was a lively and popular affair, offering free food, soft drinks and raffle tickets with prizes such as airline tickets and smartphones waiting to be snapped up.
Live entertainment was provided by students who performed dances and songs representative of various cultures, which was watched eagerly by a swelling crowd, as well as a marching band that played patriotic anthems.
Many more could be seen feasting on traditional Bahraini food and rummaging through the handicrafts and local products on display.
AMA University student, Independencia Costanilla, 22, attended the joyous occasion with her friend Sana Omardor, also 21, a marketer. Independencia said: “This event has a really interesting mix of culture, from the stands, to the displays and the entertainment. We enjoyed the various dances the most because it was a mixture of so many different traditions, which we see dayto-day in Bahrain. I can’t wait to watch the National Day fireworks over the weekend too as I love those.”
Sana was happy that she was able to sample so many of the local delights in the souq. She said: “The various types of food was definitely the best part, I ate so much and found so many things I’d never tried before. The event is amazing … I love Bahrain!”
