The third edition of the ‘Hurafuna’ Handicrafts Festival was launched on April 4 by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani.

Running to April 8 at Bab Al Bahrain, the five-day festival will be showcasing handicrafts fashioned by Bahraini craftsmen as well as unique products by a group of craftsmen from Egypt, who are guests of honour.

The opening ceremony was held in the presence of the chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Samir 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 Bahrain, Suha Ibrahim Mohammed Rifaat, BTEA officials and media representatives.

“The ‘Hurafuna’ Handicrafts Festival will coincide with the kingdom hosting the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix which attracts visitors from all over the world. We are also pleased to host a group of craftsmen from Egypt as guests of honour who will be showcasing their unique products alongside our local handicrafts. Visitors will be taken on a journey to learn about the rich culture of both countries. Also, we are pleased to announce the launch of the permanent ‘Hurafuna’ market for Bahraini craftsmen located at Bab Al Bahrain. This initiative comes as part of the BTEA’s strategy to promote and ensure the sustainability of the handicrafts sector,” said Al Zayani.

The festival comes as part of BTEA's strategy to develop the handicrafts sector and traditional industries in the kingdom. Coinciding with this event, the BTEA also announced the launch of the permanent ‘Hurafuna’ market and truck for Bahraini craftsmen at Bab Al Bahrain.

Further commenting on the event, Shaikh Khaled said: “The third edition of ‘Hurafuna’ Handicrafts Festival features both local and Egyptian craftsmen. 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.”

More than 20 Bahraini and Egyptian craftsmen will be 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 will offer 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.

The launch of the festival follows the success of the previous editions and reiterates BTEA’s commitment to enhancing the traditional handicrafts industry in the kingdom and preserving it for future generations by further developing the local craftsmanship and providing them with a platform to showcase their handmade goods. - TradeArabia News Service