Bahrain’s Al Fareej Festival opened with a lively programme designed to bring traditional culture closer to families, children and young people. The year-round initiative, organised by the Youth Affairs Ministry, began at the Northern Sehla Youth Empowerment Centre and will later move through other governorates. The event turned the neighbourhood venue into an interactive community space, combining heritage demonstrations with creative, sporting and digital activities. Youth Affairs Minister Rawan Tawfiqi visited the launch, touring the stalls and activities that aim to connect younger generations with Bahrain’s customs while encouraging family participation and local engagement.
Heritage skills in focus
The opening night featured demonstrations of palm basket weaving, pottery and oyster shucking, alongside cooking stations, drawing corners, traditional games, sports challenges and electronic games. Productive families also took part, using the platform to present their projects and handmade goods to visitors.
Organisers say the festival is intended to create recurring community experiences that preserve national traditions while offering young people practical opportunities to learn, socialise and develop new interests.
Crafts passed through generations
Among the participants was 68-year-old palm weaver Abu Hilal from Karbabad, who learned the craft from earlier generations of his family. At the festival, he guided children through the process of weaving baskets, a skill he has shared in Bahrain and abroad for many years.
He continues to teach independently and said demand for woven baskets often rises during the date harvest season and national celebrations. Events such as Al Fareej and farmers markets help keep the craft visible as fewer people practise it.
Pottery and pearl-diving traditions
Potter Abbas Alasafreh, 45, from A’ali, also demonstrated his craft. A’ali is widely associated with Bahrain’s pottery heritage, and Mr Alasafreh began learning as a child. He explained that clay is sourced locally and shaped into items such as dishes, vases, boats and money boxes.
Oyster shucking sessions introduced young visitors to another key part of Bahrain’s past, reflecting the kingdom’s historic links to pearl diving and the sea.
Festival to continue
The Al Fareej Festival will continue at the Northern Sehla Youth Empowerment Centre from 4.30pm to 8.30pm. Further dates and locations for upcoming phases in other governorates are expected to be announced through official channels.
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