*The event offers shoppers an opportunity to discover Portugal’s traditional folklore

A music and dance performance by one of the most famous Portuguese bands ‘7 Saias’ highlighted the start of the Portugal Week at Mall of Qatar (MoQ) on Wednesday.

The festivity, which runs until June 25 at MoQ, will witness the world-renowned Portuguese band performing daily at 2.30pm, 5.30pm and 8.30pm on the Ooredoo Oasis stage.

The group, which uses traditional instruments to showcase Portuguese culture and heritage, already released six albums since they start performing eight years ago, enthralling domestic as well as international audiences in various countries.

“We have brought seven artistes to perform here,” Portuguese ambassador Antonio Tanger Correa told Gulf Times on Wednesday as he led the ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate the event.

“We look forward to see people there to celebrate together a world of culture and entertainment,” the envoy added.

Correa said event forms part of further strengthening Qatar and Portugal’s excellent cultural relationship.

He noted that they have been regularly participating in the European Jazz Festival and recently, the Portuguese Language Day, as well as in several cultural events in the country.

“We started teaching Portuguese language at Qatar University two years ago and now it is the second most sought after language,” he noted.

Besides Qataris, such initiative received a positive response from various nationalities such as people of India, Lebanon, Iraq, and people from this region who want to learn Portuguese.

The Portugal Week, organised by the Portuguese embassy in Doha, in partnership with MoQ and Al Tawfeeq Travel, features a series of activities and unique live performances.

Mallgoers, especially families and children, will have the chance to experience and take part in a number of fun-filled activities at the mall.

MoQ also set up a cultural booth located East Gate 3 to give visitors an array of information about Portugal’s popular destinations, tours and visa procedures.

“We are delighted to be working with Portuguese embassy and Al Tawfeeq Travel on this new and unique event,” MoQ CEO Stuart Elder said. “We can’t wait for our shoppers to enjoy these authentic Portuguese experiences and visit on this occasion our Portuguese retailers: Sacoor Brothers, Nando’s, Parfois and Salsa.”

He noted that MoQ, in partnership with QNB and QIC, is featuring free live preview of 2018 FIFA World Cup matches in Russia on the giant LED screens for football fans to enjoy.

Mallgoers witnessed Portugal’s 1 – 0 win, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, against Morocco at the screening of the match on Wednesday.