Some sounds stop you in your tracks. In Bahrain, during the holy month of Ramadan, that sound is the boom of an iftar cannon. It rings out at sunset, cutting through the evening air and signalling to families, friends and communities across the island that it is time to break their fast. It is dramatic, joyful and deeply moving all at once. And if you have never experienced it, this Ramadan is the perfect time to change that.
The Ramadan cannon has been a fixture of life in Bahrain since the 1930s, when it was first fired from Manama Port. What began at a single location has since grown to cover all four governorates, Capital, Muharraq, Northern and Southern, ensuring that this beloved tradition echoes across the entire kingdom.
It is a practice shared across Arab and Islamic countries, though many have quietly let it fade over the decades. Bahrain has done the opposite, holding on to it and giving it an even more prominent place in the Ramadan calendar. That commitment to preserving heritage is, in many ways, what makes witnessing it feel so special.
The cannon follows a distinct and meaningful rhythm throughout the month. At the official announcement of Ramadan’s start, eight shots are fired after Maghrib prayer. A single shot marks iftar each evening, with another fired at imsak, the moment before dawn, when eating must stop. Then, as Ramadan draws to a close, eight shots ring out upon the confirmed sighting of the Eid crescent, followed by eight more on Eid Al-Fitr itself in celebration.
Each boom carries weight. Whether you are fasting or simply joining in the spirit of the occasion, that single iftar shot has a way of stirring something in everyone who hears it.
If you want to be up close when that moment arrives, here are the four locations firing the cannon this year:
Abu Subh Beach, Diraz: A scenic coastal spot that makes the experience feel wonderfully atmospheric as the sun dips below the horizon.
Arad Fort, Muharraq: One of Bahrain’s most iconic heritage sites provides a fittingly grand backdrop for this centuries-old tradition.
Hunainiyah Valley, Riffa: A more natural setting that adds a certain earthy charm to the occasion.
The Avenues, Manama — For those who prefer to be in the heart of the city, this central location means you can head straight into the iftar buzz afterwards.
Whichever you choose, arrive a little early, soak up the anticipation and watch as children press their hands to their ears in gleeful expectation. Adults, you will likely do the same.
It is one of those Ramadan moments that reminds you why this month feels like no other.
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