What do you first think of when it comes to vacation? Hills, adventures or beaches? Well, for many, it may be the most ideal thought. But here's the thing, beaches or hills aren't the only things that make for a perfect vacation. One of the best ways of exploration that travelers should often look towards is the type of festivals celebrated by the country.
A nation located in the Middle East, Bahrain is one of those countries where celebrations are a real delight. As far as festivals in Bahrain are concerned, the nation has a thing or two for tourists. Each festival represents the culture of this nation and travelers can make the most of their time in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
So, which are the festivals that one should look forward to in Bahrain? Let's dig deep into it and understand what it has to offer.
Famous Festivals In Bahrain For Travelers To Look Forward To
Bahrain may be a small nation but it has all the attributes of a top travel destination. Some of the famous festivals that one can look forward to include the following.
1. Marassi Diving Festival
Scuba diving has always been a popular water sport in the Middle East and Bahrain celebrates the Marassi Diving Festival on the occasion of World Diving Day every year. This is an occasion on which amazing diving trips are arranged around the country and travelers get to witness the stunning marine life of the region. For professional divers, this is an occasion to cherish.
When Is The Festival Held - On World Diving Day
2. Gergaoon
Gergaoon is a celebration that is held halfway into the holy month of Ramadan. Celebrated with utmost joy, the festival is full of fun as families come together and distribute gifts and nuts amongst themselves. Widely popular in the Kingdom of Bahrain, this is a festival that is associated with the passing of certain songs between generations. As an annual event, Gergaoon has tremendous popularity in the Kingdom of Bahrain and people love to celebrate it.
When Is The Festival Held - Halfway into the holy month of Ramadan
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kuwait, The Jewel Of The Middle East
3. Muharram - Islamic New Year
As far as Bahrain festivals are concerned, Muharram is a festival that is widely celebrated in the nation. The occasion is also known as the Islamic New Year and during the Muharram holidays in Bahrain as well as the whole month, there is a complete ban on alcohol during Muharram to encourage purity in the country.
Interestingly, the festival is celebrated in the month of January just as the Christian New Year. Hence, the two festivals merge together to make for a whole month of celebration. For travelers, visiting Bahrain during this time can be a serious treat.
When Is The Festival Held - In the month of January just as the Christian New Year
Suggested Read: Bahrain Beaches For Your Holiday Needs And Comfort
4. Ashura
An interesting fact as it is, the Ashura holiday in Bahrain is an important occasion for Bahrain’s Shi’a Muslim majority. Observed on the 10th day of Muharram on the Islamic calendar, this is a festival during which the Shi'a majority in Bahrain comes together to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali. This is more of a period of grief and mourning than a festival. The local population marks the day with a series of processions and traditions. Although this isn't exactly a celebration in Bahrain, travelers can come and see how the day is observed by Bahrain’s Shi’a Muslim majority.
When Is The Festival Held - On the 10th day of Muharram on the Islamic calendar
Suggested Read: Cafes In Bahrain That Every Foodie Would Love To Visit
5. Eid Milad Al Nabi
Bahrain is one of the top places to visit in the Middle East during the time of Milad Al Nabi, and it’s not difficult to understand why. An occasion when both the Sunnis and the Shi’ites factions of Bahrain come together, Milad Al Nabi honours the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. This is a festival that is celebrated in the month of April and is marked by feasts, processions, storytelling, and so much more to add to the festivities. What is interesting is that Eid Milad Al Nabi is celebrated on different days by both the Sunnis and the Shi’ites factions of Bahrain. Although the festival is celebrated by different factions, it does bring the two Islamic factions together and unites them on the occasion.
When Is The Festival Held - Eid Milad Al Nabi is celebrated on different days by both the Sunnis and the Shi’ites factions of Bahrain in the month of April
Suggested Read: Shopping In Bahrain: Top Traditional Markets To Visit In The Island Nation
6. Independence Day
Now here's a fact, one of the top things to do in Bahrain is to indulge in the festivities of independence day. This is an occasion that comes in the month of June when the citizens forget their religion, caste or anything else to come and celebrate the independence of the country. There are fireworks, festivities and opera that catches the eye of tourists during this time. The celebrations last for the whole day and night. For travelers, this is a spectacle that is unmissable.
When Is The Festival Held - In The Month of June
Interesting Fact: - Bahrain regained independence in 1971 from Britain after being a protectorate state for more than a hundred years. Independence Day marks this occasion.
Suggested Read: Bahrain National Day 2021: Celebrating The Establishment of The Nation
7. Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr
If you think of a festive season, Ramadan is the answer in Bahrain. Seen as a time of reflection by the Muslim community, Ramadan involves fasting during the daylight hours while the evenings are celebrated pleasantly. One of the most famous festivals in Bahrain, there are dinners in special Ramadan tents during this time while the culmination of Ramadan brings a three-day celebration that is widely popular. Eid al Fitr in Bahrain is celebrated for a period of three days and is marked with feasts and family gatherings. This is a celebration that worldwide travelers love to experience and it's not difficult to understand why.
When Is The Festival Held - April
Suggested Read: Nightlife In Bahrain For Your Fascinating Adventures In The Kingdom
8. Festival of Lights
A festival that celebrates the art of light, this is one of the most famous festivals in Bahrain where there are numerous light performances in the city of Manama. With international artists participating in the spectacle, the festival is also an opportunity for the local artists in Bahrain to showcase their talent. However, it is important to note that the festival was last held in 2021 and there is no clarity as to whether it'll be held again or not. Hence, travelers are advised to confirm the same before their visit.
When Is The Festival Held - The festival was last held in 2021 and there is no clarity as to whether it'll be held again or not. Travelers are advised to confirm the same before their visit.
Suggested Read: Celebrate New Year in Bahrain: Let The Countdown Begin
9. Bahrain Jazz Festival
Are you a fan of Jazz? Well, the Middle East awaits you!! Another of those famous festivals in Bahrain, the Jazz Festival is widely popular and attracts some of the finest musicians from around the world. This is an opportunity for travelers to see some international artists perform modern jazz while local Bahraini artists get to showcase their talent.
One interesting fact? Well, right since its launch, the festival has attracted more than 8000 visitors from around the world while more than 30 international and local artists have featured at the festival. So, what's the delay? The Bahrain Jazz Festival awaits you. Plan your visit to Bahrain around November as this is the time when the festival is held in the country.
When Is The Festival Held - November is the time when the festival is held in the country
Suggested Read: Malls In Bahrain For A Crazy Shopping Experience
10. Shop Bahrain
Are you a shopaholic? Well, the Bahrain Shopping Festival awaits you. Another of those famous festivals in Bahrain, this is a spectacle that not only provides a shopping treat but also presents a range of entertainment activities to travelers. Activities like shadow box, virtual reality gaming, arcade games and so much more, your entertainment is sure to be taken care of.
In fact, there are ballet shows and Indian parades alongside musical shows which really catch the eye of the visitors. So, what's the delay? Plan your visit to the country and make sure to visit around the time when the festival is held.
When Is The Festival Held - The dates of the festival are unknown and travelers are required to confirm the date and timings from the concerned authorities
One of the finest countries in the Middle East, Bahrain has earned a name for itself and festivals here are eye-catching in every way. Over the years, the festivals in Bahrain have attracted an insane number of travelers with visitors enjoying their time to the fullest. From the holy month of Ramadan to an amazing spectacle of Marassi Diving Festival, there is so much for travelers to look forward to and the list just goes on.
So, what's making you ponder? Celebrations in Bahrain are set to be one of a kind. Plan your trip to the country and indulge in the festivities. Don't forget to check out the dates for each festival before planning your journey.
Festivals In Bahrain - FAQs
One of the top occasions in Bahrain. Independence Day is an occasion that comes in the month of June when the citizens forget their religion, caste or anything else to come and celebrate the independence of the country. There are fireworks, festivities and opera that catches the eye of tourists during this time. The celebrations last for the whole day and night. For travelers, this is a spectacle that is unmissable.
The Jazz Festival is widely popular and attracts some of the finest musicians from around the world. This is an opportunity for travelers to see some international artists perform modern jazz while local Bahraini artists get to showcase their talent. In fact, right since its launch, the festival has attracted more than 8000 visitors from around the world while more than 30 international and local artists have featured at the festival.
An occasion when both the Sunnis and the Shi’ites factions of Bahrain come together, Eid Milad Al Nabi honours the birth of the Prophet Mohammed. This is a festival that is celebrated in the month of April and is marked by feasts, processions, storytelling, and so much more to add to the festivities. What is interesting is that Eid Milad Al Nabi is celebrated on different days by both the Sunnis and the Shi’ites factions of Bahrain.
Muharram is a festival that is widely celebrated in the nation. The occasion is also known as the Islamic New Year and attracts many travelers. It is celebrated in the month of January just as the Christian New Year. In fact, the two festivals merge together to make for a whole month of celebration.
Gergaoon is a celebration that is held halfway into the holy month of Ramadan. Celebrated with utmost joy, the festival is full of fun as families come together and distribute gifts and nuts amongst themselves. Widely popular in the Kingdom of Bahrain, this is a festival that is associated with the passing of certain songs between generations. As an annual event, Gergaoon has tremendous popularity in the Kingdom of Bahrain and people love to celebrate it.
The Ashura holiday in Bahrain is an important occasion for Bahrain’s Shi’a Muslim majority. Observed on the 10th day of Muharram on the Islamic calendar, this is a festival during which the Shi'a majority in Bahrain comes together to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussain ibn Ali. This is more of a period of grief and mourning than a festival. The local population marks the day with a series of processions and traditions.
One of the most famous festivals in Bahrain where there are numerous light performances in the city of Manama, the festival of lights was last held in 2021 and there is no clarity as to whether it'll be held again or not. Hence, travelers are advised to confirm the same before their visit.
Scuba diving has always been a popular water sport in the Middle East and Bahrain celebrates the Marassi Diving Festival on the occasion of World Diving Day every year. This is an occasion on which amazing diving trips are arranged around the country and travelers get to witness the stunning marine life of the region. For professional divers, this is an occasion to cherish.
