Halal Qatar festival was inaugurated yesterday at Katara in the presence of an audience of locals and expatriates, who witnessed the revival of an integral part of Qatari heritage and its traditional way of life.
The auction in progress
The festival features herds of different types of goats and sheep. Activities commenced with the cattle auction which is open to all including GCC citizens.
“The types on auction are special breeds with qualities that are desirable for enhancing production,” said festival manager Mohamed al-Khulaifi, expressing his satisfaction at the success of the event. He said that the number of visitors, participants and guests on the first day of the event is extremely promising. “We expect a huge increase in the number of visitors as the festival progresses,” he said.
The activities that have been lined up at the festival include a beauty show for the animals, where the best sheep or goat will win large cash prices. The beauty show is scheduled to be held after sunset, while the auction will taks place in the afternoon.
Goats on display. PICTURES: Abdulla
The other features of the festival which runs for 10 days from 10am to 10pm until March 31, include 30 different goat and sheep pens for display. each pen will house an animal with some distinctive feature. The animal’s shepherd will be on hand for queries.
“The festival has educational targets in instructing the young generation on the old way of life and looks ahead to create links with the present and future. We present a life image of an important aspect of Qatar life,” said President of Katara, Abdulrahman al-Khulaifi. He explained that it is not only important for tourism, it is part of Katara’s mission to preserve heritage and bring it to life. He also indicated that the event was extremely well received and enjoyed an immense popular response.
“It’s was destined to be a great success even before it was actually inaugurated because it is an integral part of our daily and household life,” he said.
Besides activities related to livestock, there are a variety of tents including a folk café, where traditional sweets and Arabic coffee are offered. There is also a traditional crafts show and kiosks that sell perfumes and traditional utilities and decorations such as swords.
“It is amazing to have such a display in this high-tech age, to bring people together, where they can talk face to face on a piece of their heritage,” said Paul Hewitt, a visiting UK business executive.
Falconry shows are also scheduled throughout the festival.