Traditions of Manama
The capital of Bahrain, an island of pearl divers and shared Sunni and Shia observance, and the ashura processions.
Manama is the capital of the island kingdom of Bahrain, long known for its pearls. The island has both Sunni and Shia communities, and the Shia mourning of Ashura is a major public event. Pearl diving, dhow-making and the fjiri songs of sailors are the old arts of the sea, and the pearling path is a World Heritage site.
Pearls and Ashura
Pearl divers once spent months at sea and the pearl trade ended with the introduction of cultured pearls. Its traditions live in songs and in museums. At Ashura, Shia Muslims hold processions and recite elegies for Imam Hussein, and neighbourhood halls called ma'atam offer food to all.
At the table
Bahraini cuisine includes machboos, muhammar, sweet rice with date syrup, and halwa, a gelatinous sweet of cornflour, nuts and saffron made since the days of the pearl trade. Coffee is spiced with cardamom and saffron, and fresh fish, hammour, is grilled. Dates are eaten everywhere.
Signature traditions of Manama
Also part of it, and being written: Halwa (The sweet of Bahrain.), Ashura (The day of mourning.), Pearl diving (The old trade.).
A trail idea for Manama
- Bab Al Bahrain Enter the souq through the old gate.
- Halwa shop Watch it stirred in a copper pot.
- Pearling Path Follow the heritage trail in Muharraq.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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