February 2013 23 www.bahrainthismonth.com Mark your calendars for a fun-filled year as your favourite annual cultural events are back, together with new ones to mark Manama as the ‘Arab Capital of Tourism’. The advent of February brings with it the start of a host of arts and cultural event that will take us through to the summer. From the Spring of Culture, the Bahrain International Music Festival and even the youth-orientated Ta’a Al Shabab, there will be plenty of options to keep us entertained. If that were not enough, Manama has been voted as the Arab Capital of Tourism for 2013. This follows on from the highly successful ‘Manama Capital of Culture’ series of events that were held last year. To celebrate the latest accolade, the Ministry of Culture (MOC) has lined up a host of exciting new activities aimed at the entire family. First up, starting on February 25, is an event that will allow Bahraini residents to travel in the footsteps of arguably the most renowned Arab traveller of all time. Ibn Battuta is the famed explorer who shied away from staying at home and left no stone unturned as he readily embraced all the nations he visited. The programmes arranged to retrace his travels range from exhibitions to forums, workshops, lectures and competitions. The ‘Manama: Arab Capital of Tourism’ schedule is split into four quarters, with each having a unique theme. The first quarter kicks off with ‘culture tourism’ and this is followed by ones covering sports, leisure and green tourism. In conjunction with this year-long programme, the MOC will launch a series of new initiatives all geared towards promoting the Kingdom as a tourist destination. These include the opening of the Tree of Life Visitors’ Centre, the continued redevelopment of the Bab Al Bahrain Souq and the revival of the Bahrain Hotel. The Bahrain Fine Arts Expo, the Heritage Exhibition and the Bahrain Summer Festival will also fall under the aegis of the MOC as our capital city prepares to show off its tourism assets and potential. The art of figurines Pushing boundaries with new innovations and bustling with ground-breaking technology, Japan is also a country rich in culture and art. For the enthusiast, avid collector or even the casual appreciator, the world of Japanese dolls is a fascinating one. This month the Japanese Embassy, in conjunction with the MOC, brings to the Kingdom a whole new perspective on dolls through a unique exhibition. Held from February 10 to March 2, the dolls featured come in all shapes and sizes and are made from all kinds of materials, representing spiritual, political and social ideals. Exhibition-goers will notice that the more striking versions mix a variety of elements — wood, a white lacquer made from ground oyster-shell and rich textiles. E Call 17 298-811. Also this month 40 x Arts & Culture - 44 x Clubs & Societies - 46 x Teens & Kids - 48 x Sports & Recreation happeningsthismonth Showcasing Tourism World days Recognise world days this month. When? February 4 Event? World Cancer Day Join in on all the local events held to support this important day. When? February 5 Event? Safer Internet Day Help children be more responsible when using online technology. When? February 5 Event? Nutella Day Forget love this month and, instead, fall for some chocolate. When? February 12 Event? Darwin Day Commemorate the birthday and work of this natural scientist. When? February 14 Event? Valentine’s Day Send some flowers to celebrate love with your nearest and dearest. When? February 21 Event? Mother Language Day Only speak your mother tongue to maintain your cultural roots. When? February 10-March 2 | Event? Japanese doll exhibitions | Venue? National Museum, Gallery 1
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