‘The Ramadan spirit here is something special’: Karqi’an bazaar opens in basra’s Lights City

BASRA — The eighth edition of the Karqi’an Bazaar opened in Basra’s Lights City, drawing large crowds of local families and visitors from across Iraq. The five-day event, following Basra’s Ramadan folklore, features performances, cultural showcases, and a charitable initiative supporting local causes.

The opening ceremony included a performance of “In Shakawt Al-Hawa,” a classic piece from Baghdad’s heritage and traditional maqam music. A lineup of artists and public figures attended, including Rafel Al-Nashmi and Rasha Raad, engaging with festivalgoers in the heart of the city.

“This edition of the Karqi’an Bazaar was supposed to be the tenth, but we had to pause for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Salam Al-Eidani, the event organizer. “This large festival wouldn’t be possible without the support of the local government, the diverse audience, and the well-mannered families who gathered here.”

Al-Eidani emphasized the event’s role in showcasing Basra’s cultural heritage to the rest of Iraq. “Every year, we invite a group of artists, media figures, and celebrities to help present a clear image of how Basra celebrates its folklore, history, and traditions,” he said.

Iraqi artist Haider Abdul Thamer praised the unique atmosphere, encouraging more visitors to experience Basra during Ramadan. “You don’t find this kind of energy anywhere except in Basra,” he said. “I hope people from all Iraqi governorates visit, because the Ramadan spirit here is something special.”

The festival’s inclusive nature was another highlight. “It’s wonderful to see families from different governorates coming together for this event,” Abdul Thamer said. “Today, you can see families from Mosul, Kirkuk, Baghdad, and the central and southern governorates all joining in.”

Iraqi artist Suhair Salah expressed her excitement. “This festival is unique—unique in everything,” she said. “The presence of the wonderful Basra audience, the beautiful bazaar activities, and the extraordinary atmosphere make this an unforgettable annual event.”