Spring of Culture 2025: A Season to Celebrate Bahrain’s Artistic and Cultural Soul
TDT | Manama
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As the calendar flips to the new year, Bahrain will come alive with the vibrant hues of its much-anticipated Spring of Culture Festival, a beloved celebration of music, art, heritage, and innovation.
Now in its 19th edition, the festival promises to immerse residents and visitors alike in a cultural experience that bridges the past and present while offering a glimpse into the global arts scene.
Cultural Collaboration
Announced yesterday, during a press conference at the Bahrain National Theatre, the festival is a joint effort between the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre, the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, and a network of cultural spaces, including Albareh Art Space and La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of BACA, expressed the festival’s significance in connecting Bahrainis to their heritage.
“This year’s Spring of Culture offers a captivating Bahraini, Arab, and global cultural experience, reminding us of the Kingdom’s authentic spirit and its rich civilisation,” he said, emphasising the festival’s role in fostering cultural pride and collaboration.
Musical Highlights
From grand orchestral performances to intimate folk tunes, the festival’s music programme spans genres and geographies. The season opens on January 9th with Bahraini artist Ebrahim Habib, accompanied by the Bahrain Music Band, under the baton of Maestro Zeyad Zaiman.
Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre and the Bahrain National Theatre will host global sensations like Grammy-winning composer Lorne Balfe, performing Top Gun: Maverick in Concert with the Manchester Camerata, and Dutch maestro André Rieu with his Johann Strauss Orchestra.
Fans of Arabic music can look forward to performances by Kadim Al Sahir, Amal Maher, and Omar Khairat, who will collaborate with the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra. Bahraini folk traditions will take centre stage at historic venues such as Dar Al Muharraq and Dar Bin Harban, featuring performances by local bands like the Ismaeel Dawas Band and Shabab Al Hidd Band.
Art Exhibitions
The festival also transforms Bahrain into a canvas for creativity. Art enthusiasts can explore exhibitions such as Memories Carved in Steel by Spanish sculptor Juan Garaizábal at the Bahrain National Museum, and Twilight by Fatema Aljameaa at Albareh Art Space.
The Arts Centre will feature the Japanese crafts exhibition From Hand to Hand: 100-YearNew Craft, while the Art Concept Gallery will present Fayoum Portraits by Ahmed Emam.
In addition to visual art, workshops and interactive events will invite audiences to engage with traditional crafts, artificial intelligence in design, and filmmaking, ensuring a hands-on experience for participants of all ages.
Heritage Exploration
The festival extends beyond concert halls and galleries, inviting audiences to discover Bahrain’s storied past. Guided tours will take visitors through the Pearling Path in Muharraq, the ancient site of Qal’at Al Bahrain, and Manama’s historical landmarks.
Interactive programmes, such as Tales from the Bahrain National Museum and On Board the Jalboot, promise to bring history to life. The Post Office Museum will host From the Post every Saturday in February, offering cultural activities centred around rediscovering Manama’s old neighbourhoods, markets, and landmarks.
Community Engagement
True to its ethos, the Spring of Culture Festival is as much about giving back as it is about celebration. Educational programmes, held in partnership with the Ministry of Education and other institutions, will provide workshops on crafts, heritage, and the arts, catering to students, families, and social groups.
With sponsorship from the Economic Development Board, BBK, and Tamkeen, alongside contributions from embassies of countries like the UK, France, and Italy, the festival exemplifies how cultural diplomacy and public-private collaboration can elevate a nation’s artistic landscape.
Joining Celebration
The festival invites everyone to be part of its journey. For event details and registrations, follow @springofculture on social media or visit www.springofculture.org. From its roots in heritage to its embrace of global art forms, the Spring of Culture Festival is a celebration of Bahrain’s evolving cultural identity - a season to inspire, educate, and unite.
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