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CHILDREN across the kingdom dressed up in sparkling jalabiyas and crisp, cotton thobes to flock to a series of events staged across the kingdom in celebration of Gergaoun.
The traditional folksy festivity is usually celebrated on either the 13th, 14th or 15th of the Islamic calendar month of Ramadan and is believed to date back to the birth of Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, Hasan ibn Ali.
The Prophet’s daughter, Fatimah, was said to have handed out coloured sugar cubes to people in celebration of her child’s birth and the spirit of joy and giving was then carried forth from generation to generation.
It is sometimes likened to other annual island activities enjoyed by expats, such as Halloween, but there is nothing scary about this ritual, only happy, smiling faces wearing fancy customary attire.
In the olden days, the children would weave through neighbourhoods knocking on doors and receiving sweet treats such as chocolates, candies and crisps from families and friends. Over time, people began hosting their own glorious Gergaouns or attending events at malls and historical sites.
City Centre Bahrain staged its annual Gergaoun celebration, in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Development, at its Central Galleria where young visitors delighted in singing ditties and marching along to the beats of a traditional Bahraini band.
They also toured the mall dressed to the nines, collecting goodie bags full of treats from participating retailers while dancing alongside the horse-figure ‘Fraisah’ which is a popular symbol of the occasion.
During the event, parents were also encouraged to open their hearts during the holy month and make a donation as part of the mall’s 13th Make a Difference campaign, in which visitors can contribute bags of clothing, books, toys and nonperishable food items at the Sonationa Station, located near Gate 4 on the ground floor.
The Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities also staged its annual event in three different locations over the weekend – the Bahrain Fort Site Museum, at Bab Al Bahrain and at Studio 244 at Arad Bay Protected Area & Park.
Jordanian Abeer Al Naser, took her daughter Rateel Al Saleh, five, and son Samer, 12, along with other family members to the Bab Al Bahrain event.
“I was a bit apprehensive about going at first as I thought it would be super crowded and messy but it was well organised and we had such a wonderful time,” said Abeer, 44, architect and owner of a design company.
“It was our first time participating in Gergaoun and we loved every minute of it. The organisers and staff at the event were kind and welcoming to all the children which made us feel comfortable and at ease as we got to experience the true spirit of Gergaoun. It was a truly memorable experience.”
During the occasion, children joined in singing and dancing on stage as well as playing games. There was also a performance by the Dar Shabab AlHidd drumming circle and a dancing Fraisah. Children proudly raised the Bahraini flag as they danced and swayed to traditional Gergaoun songs and received bags full of treats.
Families also visited the Bahrain Fort Site Museum to participate in a series of games and competitions whilst receiving more goodies to take home and exchange with family and friends.
Nawaf Aldoseri, 33, joined in the merriment with his wife Nayla, a 35-year-old nurse, and sons Jarah, four, and Fouad, six, who attends Hamad Town Public School. Nawaf is already looking forward to what the organisers will come up with next year.
“I remember celebrating Gergaoun with my parents when I was a child, but we would walk around the neighbourhood or drive out to neighbouring areas,” said Nawaf, who works with the immigration service.
“I wanted to pass on the tradition to my children and decided to attend an organised event rather than roam the streets. It was fantastic. I was amazed by how many people attended. Not only did the young ones learn about Gergaoun but they also got to experience it, play games and get bags of candy and nuts. It was great.”
