Bahrain is unlike everywhere else in the world when it comes to Ashura celebrations. The majority of Bahrainis are Shia Muslims, despite the fact that Bahrain's rulers are Sunni. Other Gulf nations do not have the public processions and mourning that Bahrain has for Ashura. Every year, hundreds of Shias travel from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries to participate in the celebrations. Ashura occurs on the tenth day of Muharram, the Islamic month of mourning for Shias. The 9th and 10th days are both observed as public holidays in Bahrain, but the 10th day is the most significant since it commemorates Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussain's, martyrdom at the Battle of Karbala in A.D. 680.

Shias preach about Imam Hussain's life example in their mosques during the whole month. Food is also distributed to the homeless and the impoverished, and the Bahraini government provides both food and money to this cause every year. The Bahraini flag, which is ordinarily white with red at the right end, is converted into a white-and-black mourning flag for Ashura reasons, and these flags, along with other Ashura Day banners, are placed up over public roadways.

Time: On the 10th day of Muharram on the Islamic calendar

Bahrain Jazz Festival, Bahrain's much-loved international jazz fest and one of the most famous festivals in Bahrain, is currently in its 5th year and proudly sits on the Kingdom of Bahrain's national events calendar. Since its inception, the festival has drawn over 8000 guests from all over the world, with more than 30 foreign and local artists performing. The Bahrain Jazz Fest has been highly accepted and covered by international, regional, and local media for the previous five years, with over 20,000 attendees from all over the world. More than 100 international and local artists have performed at the event, giving new musicians a chance to play alongside veterans on the same stage.

When a worldwide pandemic struck in 2020, the Bahrain Jazz Fest seamlessly converted to digital live streaming and hybrid capabilities, delivering entertainment to refresh minds even in the darkest of times while remaining secure. The Bahrain Jazz Festival awaits you. Plan your trip to Bahrain around November, as this is when the event takes place in the nation.

Time: 3rd December

This year's Mawlid al-Nabi, or milad, commemorates the Prophet Muhammad PBUH's birthday on October 18th. His birthday is commemorated as a national holiday by millions of Muslims throughout the world. Mawlid, Milad, and Eid Milad un-Nabi are other names for the festival. Those who commemorate may decorate their homes, make special meals, and listen to special speeches recalling the prophet's life in mosques. Mawlid is observed on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awwal, the Islamic calendar's third month, which corresponds to October 19 in the Gregorian calendar in 2021. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the date varies every year; it is ten to eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

Some people prefer not to commemorate the anniversary because it is neither necessary nor specified in Islamic beliefs. Some people also think it's an unneeded invention, thus they don't think it's worth celebrating. Others use Mawlid as a chance to learn more about the prophet's excellent characteristics and teachings. Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, and Yemen are among the countries in the Middle East and North Africa that have declared the day a public holiday. Local religious groups frequently organize gatherings and marches in Western states with large Muslim populations.

Time: 18th October

When Bahrain Light Festival begins at Bahrain Bay, visitors and residents will be treated to a spectacular display of lights and colors. The outdoor event will feature cutting-edge lighting innovations by worldwide contemporary artists, as well as technical creative dynamics and outstanding artistic performances. This festival honors the art of light and is one of the most well-known in Bahrain, with several light shows taking place around the city of Manama. The event provides a chance for local artists in Bahrain to demonstrate their ability, with foreign performers taking part.

When the evenings become darker and longer, we have always strived to brighten up our cities and villages with light art festivals. Macau, Taiwan, and Amsterdam's yearly light festivals have amazed, pleased, and filled people's thoughts and souls with eternal light. With its own Ramadan light festival, Bahrain now aspires to join this stunning league. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority would construct "a fresh and stunning" light festival to "generate a stir in Bahrain and around the region."

Time: 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.

Every year on the 14th night of Ramadan, the Gulf nations celebrate 'Gergaoon' Children go door to door singing melodious music and collecting candy and gifts in their adorned bags to commemorate this wonderful occasion. For hundreds of years, this deeply ingrained practice has been observed in many regions of the Gulf region to honor Muslim youngsters who have fasted. In Bahrain, the sweets are known as Gergaoon, and they're also known as Karkee'aan in Saudi Arabia, Gargee'aan in Kuwait, and Hag Al Leylah in the United Arab Emirates. The biggest expectation of the night for the kids is sweets and treats. Dates, rice, wheat, and sugar were traditionally given to children. Candies and nuts are popular among today's teenagers.

This joyous event brings together family and friends to enjoy games and sing traditional songs. Many teens and adults will dress up as Fraysa or the horseman and walk around the neighborhood singing Gergaoun songs and drumming on traditional drums. This deeply entrenched festival connects youngsters to their cultural origins and brings them closer together, honoring one of Ramadan's real principles - unity.

Time: Halfway into the holy month of Ramadan

Every year on the 16th and 17th of December, Bahrain commemorates its National Day. This date commemorates the anniversary of two significant events in the country's history. On August 15, 1971, Bahrain declared independence from the United Kingdom. The country, however, does not celebrate August 15th as a national holiday. Instead, Bahrain celebrates its independence and the ascension of its former king, Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, on December 16th. The people of Bahrain hold the monarch in high regard because they credit him with bringing about the changes that have made the kingdom stable.

Bahrain National Day is observed as a public holiday. The majority of businesses, schools, and government offices are closed. Bahrain's National Day is officially commemorated and celebrated on December 16, while the celebration is intended to extend two days, from December 16 to December 17. The people of Bahrain celebrate National Day as a day of celebration. To commemorate the country's independence and the elevation of its previous king to the throne, there are fireworks displays, laser shows, carnivals, exhibits, contests, concerts, and parades of colorful floats.

Time: the 16th and 17th of December

Bahrain Sea Festival is the Kingdom's largest event of its type, paying honor to Bahrain's rich relationship with the ocean. The event, which takes place over ten days on Bahrain Bay, honors Bahraini culture while also helping to preserve its history for future generations to enjoy. The celebration pays honor to Bahrain's deep links to the water, as well as traditional sea-related activities. The event also has an intriguing exhibition of real diving tools, pictures, movies, and historic fishing and diving equipment allowing visitors to have an understanding of the means and measures used to go fishing in the past.

The event, which lasted ten days and took place in Bahrain Bay, was one of the BTEA's numerous attempts to not only bring attention to the activities that have shaped Bahrain's culture but also to conserve it for future generations to learn about and enjoy. Furthermore, the event contributes to the Kingdom's Economic Vision and serves to establish Bahrain as a regional tourism-friendly country. As stated by H.E. Zayed Al Zayani, this boosts Bahrain's GDP and maintains the country on track with the national Economic Vision 2030.

Time: ten days between late October to early November

Muharram is a Bahraini celebration that is extensively observed throughout the country. The celebration is also known as the Islamic New Year, and alcohol is prohibited in Bahrain during the Muharram holidays and for the whole month of Muharram to promote cleanliness in the country. Surprisingly, the holiday falls in January, the same month as the Christian New Year. As a result, the two festivities blend to become a month-long celebration. Visiting Bahrain at this time might be a real delight for visitors.

Because Shiites make up the majority of Muslims in Bahrain, the Islamic New Year is observed differently than in Sunni-dominated nations. Throughout Bahrain, Shiite festivities may be seen on the streets during the early days of Muharram. On 10 Muharram, also known as "Ashura," many Bahrainis would fast and remember the martyrdom of Muhammad's grandson Husayn Ibn Ali. Fasting usually starts on Awal (first) Muharram and lasts until Ashura (tenth) Muharram. The new Islamic year starts with a period of introspection and focuses on prayer, the Koran, and abstaining from immoral actions. Muharram also means "forbidden" since it is forbidden to battle or wage war during this time of year.

Time: In the month of January just as the Christian New Year

The Festival of Fast-breaking, also known as Eid al-Fitr, is a major religious holiday observed by Muslims throughout the world that commemorates the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The celebration commemorates the end of the 29 or 30 days of dawn-to-sunset fasting that Muslims observe throughout the month of Ramadan. Because the day of Eid is determined by the sighting of the moon, there may be slight differences in the precise date observed across the world. The sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia, which marks the beginning of the month of Shawwal, determines the date of Eid al-Fitr in Bahrain. As a result, the date of Eid might shift up to a day prior. The actual dates of Eid Al-Fitr may not be announced until close to the beginning of Ramadan.

The "Festival of Breaking the Fast" is what Eid al-Fitr is known for. One of the five pillars of Islam is the practice of fasting from dawn to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan ("Sawm"). The text of the Qur'an is said to have been revealed to Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan, according to Muslims.

Time: April

Another of Bahrain's well-known events is the Bahrain Shopping Festival, which offers visitors not only a shopping experience but also a variety of entertainment options. Your amusement will be taken care of with activities such as shadow boxing, virtual reality gaming, arcade games, and much more. In reality, there are ballet performances and Indian marches in addition to musical performances that draw a large crowd.

If you are a shopping enthusiast, you definitely cannot miss this event. It's that time of year again when all of the region's retail shops join together to provide a magnificent experience for customers. Whatever you're searching for, whether it's traditional handicrafts, delicious cuisine, modern artwork, the newest fashion, gorgeous masterpieces, or amazing homewares, you'll find it all at 'Shop Bahrain.' Enjoy the Festival's fantastic program of events; discover everything that Bahrain has to offer and take in the wonderful entertainment. Even the most discerning palates will find something to like at this event.

Time: The festival's dates are uncertain, thus tourists should check with the relevant authorities to confirm the day and timings.