Fresh dates, palm frond baskets, dates ice-cream and locally grown fresh produce went on display yesterday as the annual cultural festival held to commemorate the Date Palm Tree got under way.

In its fourth edition this year, the opening witnessed an influx of Bahrainis and foreigners buying their favourite dates and enjoying a family-filled atmosphere with multiple activities for children, various restaurants and local produce from Bahraini farmers and Productive Families on display.

The festival, ‘Khairat Al Nakhla’ (Palm Tree Bounties), which in Arabic means the blessings of the palm tree, is being organised by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) in collaboration with the Farmers Market Department of the Bahrain Development Bank and the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry.

It was inaugurated by NIAD secretary-general Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa at the Farmer’s Market in Hoorat A’ali, and more than 40 exhibitors are taking part.

She was accompanied by Agriculture Affairs and Animal Wealth Under-Secretary Dr Khalid Hassan along with other officials.

Date palm fruits, locally known as ‘retab’, are a healthy, rich and complete diet supplement and have been produced in many different forms.

“The palm tree is a blessed tree with limitless bounties and this festival does an incredible job at showcasing all its benefits and uses,” palm tree caretaker Yousif Essa told the GDN.

“Taking care of palm trees is a profession we inherited from our fathers and through this festival we can pass on this knowledge and heritage to the younger generation.

“We are displaying various fresh dates as well as the tools used to climb palm trees such as climbing belts and caretaking tools.”

Mr Essa encouraged the youth to take up palm tree caretaking to preserve the ancient heritage profession as well as ensure the survival of the craft for livelihood.

Meanwhile, well-known Bahraini farmer Mirza Hassan revealed that various types of locally-grown dates – such as khalas and burhi along with others – are on display at the festival.

“There are many types of dates on display at my pavilion that people aren’t very keen to eat but I keep cultivating the trees because I want to ensure the survival of the species in Bahrain,” he said.

“We celebrate the palm tree annually in this festival and it’s important to preserve this heritage to pass on to future generations because it’s part of our identity.

“On a yearly basis, I take small seedlings from the mother palm tree and plant them to ensure the continuation of the various types and preserve our heritage.”

The festival, which continues until tomorrow from 10am to 5pm free of charge with exhibitors featuring products extracted from palm trees such as ropes, baskets, cages and furniture along with tools used in maintaining the trees.

A special activities section was also set up for children featuring pottery, basket making as well as face-painting.