An artist performs at the City Center mall. Right: Performers entertain the crowd with their antics. Pictures: Jayan Orma
By Joey Aguilar/Staff Reporter
The Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Qatar kicked off yesterday with a number of wholesome shows in malls which attracted hundreds of spectators.
At least two shows starting at 5pm for kids dubbed as “Lazy Town” and “Hedge People” have entertained dozens of families at the City Center mall .
Wearing colourful costumes, performers took the centre stage to dance, sing and make the audience laugh with their antics.
Organisers have set up a special area for kids a few metres away in front of the stage to give them a better view of the shows.
“It’s a nice show for the children and we might be going from one mall to another to watch other shows,” said Abdullah, an expatriate who usually brings his family to various Eid activities every year. He also bought new clothes for his two daughters for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Hundreds of mall-goers also converged at the circular view area of the mall to watch the performances held at the skating rink. Lazy Town and another unique show named Balloonatic will be staged today starting at 5pm.
Other children’s shows were also held in various malls such as Landmark, The Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Lagoona and Al Khor from 5pm to 9.30pm and these will run for seven days.
Some of the shows included Fritters, Beauty and the Beast, 4D Magic, Mighty Jokerz, Mix Juggler, Angry Birds, Clown show, Family show, and Balloonatic.
The Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) said entry is free and each of the shows is expected to be staged in all six malls.
Traditional Qatari performances were also held at the Heritage Village (Rumailah) on the Corniche, attracting scores of locals and expatriates.
QTA calls the Eid celebration “yalaido,” which originated from a traditional song chanted by locals during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Qatar has attracted more than 75,000 visitors during the Eid celebrations last year. QTA hopes the numbers will increase this year.
Other activities also started in different locations such as the Eid carnival at The Pearl-Qatar and similar entertainment shows for children at Aqua Park.
Some QTA partners have cancelled their activities this Eid in solidarity with the people in Gaza.
However, a few shows will still be held starting today in a tent set up at Souq Waqif and will run for four days.
Attending some activities in other venues require paying some fees such as the Ukrainian circus and Entertainment tent (both in Souq Waqif), Aqua Park, shooting practice in Lusail Shooting Club along Al Khor Coastal Road, and Aerial paragliding on Sealine beach.
Entrance at the Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve at Al Kheireb (7km south of Shahaneya roundabout) is free.
