Children during Garangao celebrations, yesterday. Pics: Fares Herz
Doha: The country yesterday celebrated a joyful and exuberant Garangao that was remarkably similar to pre-COVID-19 years.
Garangao is unique to Qatar and the wider Gulf region, which allows children to go from house to house collecting sweet and goodies from their neighbours.
A special day for children, they were treated with goodies and engaged in educational and creative activities.
One of the event’s highlights, which takes place on the evening of the middle of Ramadan, is the Garangao cultural activation at Corniche Plaza, where the Doha Lights 2023, a new attraction this holy month, is also located.
A large crowd attended the event from 8pm to 12am, notably families and kids with their parents. Qatar Tourism said the inaugural event featured stage shows, art workshops, a batoola (face mask) workshop, a sadu bracelet workshop, a henna corner, Polaroid instant selfies, Musaher, a fashion show, and a fabulous collection of treats.
The Peninsula spoke with several attendees and everyone agreed that the occasion proves that events and activities are still thriving in Qatar even after the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Mon from the Philippines said the Garangao celebration in Corniche Plaza is an event “not to miss.”
“My kid joined the art workshop where he painted, watched a puppet show, and tried face painting. He was so happy because he could interact and play with other kids.”
The expatriate living in Qatar for over a decade added that events like Garangao increases community engagement.
“We saw the event on Instagram through Qatar Calendar, and immediately I told my two daughters that we would visit and join the fashion show. We recently bought Garangao clothes in Souq Waqif last week, so they were really excited to wear them,” said Jizan from Australia.
Meanwhile, Msheireb Downtown Doha witnessed an avid crowd for the two-day event that commenced yesterday. The activities unfolded Garangao sweet giveaways and kids’ Garangao fashion shows that saw a large number of tourists, expatriates, and Qatari citizens taking part in a distinctive opportunity in the city’s neighbourhoods and streets.
Children of all ages took part in the events displaying their local culture and costumes at Msheireb’s Sahat Al Nakheel in Sikkat Alwadi Street.
“This is the first time I am coming to see such an event for children, and our kids seem to be enjoying it so far,” Ismael, an expat told The Peninsula, adding that it’s a unique experience to attend and spend some time with the family.
Fatima, a resident in Qatar, expressed her joy in attending this year’s Garangao celebrations. “Compared to previous years, this year we had more activations and events for the children, and it’s a great cultural festival to showcase the local culture to the community.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdulla, Director, Marketing and Communication at the Msheireb Properties, said: “Msheireb Downtown Doha always seeks to offer exceptional activities and exceed the expectations of visitors, whether tourists or residents. Our smart and sustainable city is an example of the true heritage of old Doha in terms of design, architectural language, and identity. Here in this area, the people of Qatar used to come and celebrate together. So it has a historical concept.”
“Besides, people can move freely on foot or tram in a safe environment to enjoy the various facilities we have, including F&B outlets, stores, hotels, cultural offerings, and entertainment. It is a one-stop destination for everyone that shows the essence of our Qatari culture,” Dr. Abdulla added.
Aside from Corniche Plaza and Msheireb Downtown Doha, several private and public organisations celebrated Garangao yesterday, including Cultural Village, Katara, Al Shaqab Village, West Walk, 900 Park, Al Maha Island, and malls such as Galeries Lafayette, Al Asmakh Mall, City Center Mall, Ezdan Mall, Doha Festival City, Mall of Qatar, and Tawar Mall where contests, distribution of treats, storytelling workshops, free henna, among others were organised.
