A journey through cultures
Manama : The third edition of ‘Hurafuna’ Handicrafts Festival opened doors at Bab Al Bahrain showcasing unique products created by craftsmen from Egypt alongside local handicraft products.
The five-day festival, which continues until 8th April, will also see the launch of a permanent ‘Hurafuna’ market and mobile truck for Bahraini craftsmen at Bab Al Bahrain.
The highlight of this year’s edition is the presence of a group of craftsmen from Egypt as guests of honour. More than 20 Bahraini and Egyptian craftsmen are participating in the festival.
Visitors will get the opportunity to purchase traditional products such as hand-woven baskets, traditional musical instruments, wooden boxes, pottery, model ships and much more.
Craftsmen will also be displaying the manufacturing of swords and daggers, wool making, jewellery making, embroidery on traditional dresses, knitting and many more.
Additionally, the festival offers visitors a variety of family entertainment activities including live performances by traditional Bahraini bands. It is open to the public and entry is free of charge.
“This initiative comes as part of the BTEA’s strategy to promote and ensure the sustainability of the handicrafts sector,” said the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani during his inauguration speech.
The opening ceremony was held in the presence of the Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sameer Abdulla Nass, Governor of the Capital Governorate, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, the Ambassador of Egypt to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Suha Ibrahim Mohammed Rifaat, BTEA officials and media representatives.
The Festival will coincide with the Kingdom hosting the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Further commenting on the event, the CEO of BTEA, Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa said: “The event is a platform to showcase and promote high-quality handicrafts. We are also pleased to launch the mobile truck allowing the rich handicraft industry to be accessible to all visitors who are keen to learn more about authentic Bahraini handicrafts.”
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