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Lovers of Bahrain flocked in their thousands to the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir over the weekend to take part in a mass celebration to honour the National Day of the place they call home.
The main showpiece was a fantastic fireworks fiesta held on Saturday and Sunday nights, the highlight of a four-day festival which showcased the best of Bahrain.
Fans also lapped up a series of live music concerts headlined by some of the Arab world’s most popular artists. These included Hanan Redha, Khalid Fouad, Najwa Karam, Asala and Majid Al Mohandis.
The circuit’s vending area was packed with a shopping bazaar featuring dozens of stalls representing local businesses, a wide variety of children’s activities and a play area, cultural and musical performances, and plenty of food and beverage outlets.
Visitor Nadia Ebrahim said: “The concerts were amazing, particularly Hanan Redha! I have been wanting to see her for a long time and I was so excited I kept jumping about. At one point, my glasses flew off my head! This is what the spirit of Bahrain and celebration is all about.”
Another, Deena Mariana, enjoyed Majid Al Mohandis because he is her father’s favourite artist and being able to take her dad to see him live for the first time was a special moment.
She said: “Being here with my dad and seeing him sing along made me so proud! We are very grateful that we live in Bahrain, which is the Kingdom of Love, the Kingdom of Peace, and where we do not simply tolerate those of other faiths and beliefs, but we warmly embrace them as part of our loving Bahraini family.
“Happy Birthday Bahrain!”
The festive fair featured a number of stalls and exhibition stands which proved lively and popular. Some offered free food, soft drinks and handicrafts.
Live entertainment was provided by acts 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.
University student, Sam Nader, attended the joyous occasion with his friend Abdulla Alhassan.
Sam said: “This festival has a really interesting mix of culture, from the stands, to the displays and the entertainment. We enjoyed seeing so many people come together to celebrate Bahrain as it solidified the love we all feel being in this great country. The fireworks were the best part for me, they went on for half an hour and it was a spectacular display of light and sound.”
Abdulla was happy that he was able to sample so many of the local delights from the stalls. He 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!”
