Festival brings to life traditions of a bygone era

By Ayman Adly/Staff Reporter

Qatar is reviving its heritage through the second annual edition of Halal Hal Qatar festival by re-enacting the traditional ways of how its people used to live before modernisation took root.

The festival, which runs until March 31 at Katara’s Esplanade, was inaugurated yesterday by Katara’s president Abdul Rahman al-Khulaifi, general manager Khalid al-Sulaiti, and festival director Mohamed al-Khulaifi along with senior officials and dignitaries.

“The festival honours Qatari culture and traditions which we are truly proud of, allowing us to reflect on our past to ensure a stronger future. This event promotes our cultural heritage while sharing our legacy with the younger Qatari generation, reminding them of the importance of cultural roots. This festival contributes to our long-term vision to educate, entertain and demonstrate the importance of cultural exchange,” al-Khulaifi said.

The festival mainly displays different types of sheep and goats, with every type having a special barn. Visitors can also talk to shepherds.

Other related activities include auction for different types of high-quality sheep and goats with prices starting from a few hundred to thousands of riyals.

The auctioneer gives the starting price designated by the owner as the animals enter the auction circle. If there are no suitable offers, the animals are taken back by their original owner to be displayed at other auctions.

There is also a competition for the most beautiful animals with prizes up to QR100,000 in the categories of best ewe, best camel, best male and best local breed.

“The second edition of the festival has witnessed considerable developments with better and more varied breeds of animals on display. It has also gained wider participation of different entities and more public attention. Generally, the turnout of visitors and participants is remarkable,” said the festival director.

The venue of the festival is designed to give a true image of Qatari life in the past in terms of construction, appliances, daily transactions, and social life. For instance, the section for the Qatari house reflects an exact image of what such houses used to be in design, furniture, kitchen utensils, living rooms and bed rooms alongside the open yard. There is even a vintage car parked outside the house.

Visitors can have a taste of the traditional Qatari cuisine with its several dishes served hot. There is also a traditional Arabic café. Children wearing traditional festive Qatari dress performed scenes from the past.

The festival will be open to public from 10am until 10pm. Page 20