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The kingdom felt as one on Friday as thousands thronged the Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park in Hidd to celebrate their love for the island they call home.
More than 50,000 people from different walks of life, embassies, clubs, societies, organisations and directorates came together for the annual Bahrain for All, All for Bahrain Festival to showcase their gratitude, talent and culture.
Nivedita Dhadphale, founder of Consultnivs and coordinator of the non-profit event, was delighted the sixth edition of the festival had grown in popularity. She also thanked strategic partners Tamkeen, UNIDO, UNDP, UNIC, the Arab International Centre for Entrepreneurship and Investment (AICEI) Unreal Bahrain and RMD Advisory for their support.
Nivedita said: “The idea of the event was to bring together different communities in Bahrain to showcase their culture and highlight strength of unity in diversity in the kingdom.
“Bahrain for All is not just an event anymore – it is now a community movement.”
There were more than 45 embassies, social clubs, special needs centres, women’s groups, senior citizens groups and societies present this year as well as more than 225 market stalls, which included the works from productive families and Bahraini entrepreneurs. The Bahrain Antiquities and Culture Authority also built a Bahrain stand featuring the products of local artisans.
There were 26 performances by many expats, including those featuring the Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Filipino, Jordanian, Balochi, Thai and Egyptian communities. Members from the UCO Centre for Senior Citizens and the Hidd Rehabilitation Centre also took to the stage.
There were performances by DJ Westlife and DJ Outlaw, Rapper Flipperachi, comedian Waddah Swar, Beats of Bahrain, Bollywood Steps and Sopanam Kerala Traditional Band to keep the party atmosphere going.
Nivedita added: “It was remarkable to see adults and children of all abilities and nationalities move around the park with ease and interact with each other.
“Our aim continues to be to reach a wider audience to demystify any misconceptions there may be of Bahrain and to encourage voices to be heard from the people that call this country their home.
“Passion and support from the community drives our small team and our ambition is to take our movement across the wider GCC.”
The event was also supported by the Ministry of the Interior, the Muharraq Governorate and the Muharraq Municipality and Municipal Council.
