Curiosities of Preserved Animals Captivate AOU Bahrain’s National Day Crowd
TDT | Manama
Email: hasan@newsofbahrain.com
Mystique
A booth displaying preserved animals stunned visitors at the Arab Open University’s National Day celebration, instantly becoming the event’s most magnetic and debated attraction. What initially appeared to be a modest display revealed itself to be an unexpectedly captivating collection of carefully preserved creatures and anatomical pieces rarely seen outside specialised museums. Encased butterflies shimmered under the light, colourful beetles appeared almost sculptural in their detail, and a gazelle skull crowned with its natural horns drew repeated gasps from onlookers. Nearby lay a preserved peacock leg, textured and striking, alongside camel teeth arranged like archaeological findings from Bahrain’s distant past. The booth invited both curiosity and contemplation, prompting visitors to linger far longer than they anticipated, fascinated by the delicate balance between art, science and nature embodied in each item.
Celebration
The wider event unfolded across the university grounds with an atmosphere that blended heritage and joyful festivity. A Bahraini folk band set the rhythm with nostalgic melodies that carried the spirit of the kingdom’s cultural past, filling the venue with familiar echoes of tradition.
Food stalls offered an impressive range of experiences, from Bahraini Kebab to pasta, burgers and popular fast dishes. Cafés poured matcha, karak and speciality brews, while a nostalgic corner revived the charm of old Bahraini snacks once found in neighbourhood groceries but now difficult to come find.
Market
A vibrant marketplace extended across the campus, showcasing anime stickers, accessories, clothing, shawls, hats and National Day apparel in red and white. Handmade items crafted from wool and beads added depth to the scene. Traditional artisans demonstrated pottery making, palm-leaf basket weaving and the intricate shaping of wooden dhows, offering visitors an up close encounter with Bahrain’s heritage crafts.
Festivities
Competitions, games and soft-toy prizes kept the energy high as families, children and guests joined the celebration. The open door spirit transformed the campus into a community festival, where students laughed, parents explored and children played freely, weaving together a vivid National Day atmosphere.
The event reflected Bahrain’s enduring pride in its cultural identity, celebrating unity, creativity and tradition in a lively, inclusive setting.
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