By Joey Aguilar
Staff Reporter
Colourful and wholesome shows entertained visitors at malls and other places on the first day of Eid al-Fitr yesterday.
Qatar Tourism Authority has organised this year’s Eid festival in collaboration with private and public partners.
Spectators converged on the circular view area of City Center Doha while dozens of families gathered inside the skating rink to watch the shows.
The shows staged were Bubble Jo, Fritters, Peter Pan and Magic Paper Artist.
Nilesh, an Indian expatriate who chose to stay in Doha for the holidays, told Gulf Times that malls were ideal venues for Eid al-Fitr activities and shows.
“I was thinking of going to Dubai to spend the holidays but my kids wanted to watch all the shows at the malls here,” he said.
Like Nilesh, many other expatriates decided to stay back in Qatar for the holidays and enjoy the Eid festival with their families, relatives and friends.
At Lagoona Mall, performers of shows such as The Clown and Jungle Book amused the crowd with their antics.
Pinocchio was a big hit at Hyatt Plaza, receiving cheers from children who stayed there until 9.45pm for the “meet and greet” portion.
At Ezdan Mall, cultural performances such as the Qatar traditional dance were among the highlights of the Eid celebration, besides a number of family shows and activities. These included The Invisible Men, Meet the Nicktoons, The Clown and face-painting activities.
Many children also enjoyed the shows at Dar Al Salam Mall, which hosted The Little Prince, Mime Artist and Musical Drummers.
At Al Khor Mall, Balloonatics (also part of last year’s festival) and Circus Canada enthralled the crowd.
All mall shows will run from 4pm until 9.45pm today, including the “meet and greet” portions for those who want to have photo opportunities with the performers.
Meanwhile, Eid al-Fitr celebrations at Katara – the Cultural Village attracted thousands of visitors from 8.30pm onwards. Among the major attractions are the “The Land of Scholars and Achievements” show and a fireworks display.
The play, a story of four travellers roaming the earth and looking for treasures, blends education with entertainment through dramatic and inspiring scenes.
The main characters travel through time and meet various Arab scientists who introduce their innovations and inventions.
Katara general manager Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim al-Sulaiti said Eid celebrations there were a popular attraction. “Katara has been a favourite destination for tourists and families due to its reputation of staging unique and interesting cultural activities,” he said.
The 25-minute show is being held twice daily - in Arabic at 7.30pm and 9.30pm, and in English at 8.30pm.
Katara is also distributing gifts to children from 7pm to 7.30pm at the Esplanade.
Cultural activities and family entertainment shows at Souq Waqif will be held from today until Tuesday.
Some people braved the hot weather to visit the Corniche and take a dhow ride, especially in the morning.
A number of Eid activities and events also kicked off yesterday at venues such as The Pearl-Qatar, Qatar National Convention Centre (Sesame Street Live’s ‘Elmo Makes Music’), Al Dosari Zoo and Game Reserve – Al Khariab Al Shahaniya, Al Samariyah Equestrian Centre – Al Shahaniya, Aqua Park Qatar, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim al-Thani Museum and Sealine beach (paragliding tours).
A Filipino Food Festival also began yesterday at Al Dafna.
Spectators at the Katara Esplanade.
