Doha, Qatar: With three days to go until AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 kick-off, the Cultural Village Foundation - Katara has announced a month-long celebration featuring a diverse array of 46 events. Revealed on their official social media account, the festivities will span from January 12 to February 10.
Scheduled between 3pm and 11pm at various locations within Katara, the programme includes a plethora of activities such as artistic performances, interactive experiences, and engaging events.
In the lead-up to the tournament, Katara has transformed with display of flags of participating countries, echoing the preparations seen during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Release of 500 homing pigeons will mark launch of Katara’s events at Al Hikma Square on January 11. Throughout the month, the Street Art Festival will take place on Katara streets, providing a platform for artists, actors, and musicians to showcase their talents individually or in groups. Simultaneously, the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival is set from February 2 to 11 at Katara Esplanade.
The entertainment lineup includes Arabic concerts by Moudi Al Shamrani and Rihab Al Sharmani, along with performances by Amin Bouchard and Nawal Al Kuwaiteya at the Amphitheatre on February 1, 8, and 9 respectively. Additional attractions comprise the Military Choir from January 12 to February 10, the Army Parachute Group at Katara Beach (date to be announced), and the Qatari Ardha performances at Al Hikma Square, set every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Noteworthy events include an attempt to break the Guinness World Record by controlling a ball without letting it fall for 49 consecutive hours at Al Hikma Courtyard from January 15 to 17, called “Ricardinho 49 hours.”
Further enriching the cultural tapestry are events like Malaysian Cultural Performances on January 19 and Bollywood-themed dance performance on January 26 and February 2.
Other events include Xingjang song and dance troupe musical show at the Drama Theatre, January 21; Indonesian Parade, January 1 and 9; Nations Fashion at Al Hikma Courtyard, January 12 to February 10.
Numerous activities such as Al Thuraya Planetarium shows, street decorations, Asian Cup Children’s Festival, and events in collaboration with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs will also take place.
Moreover, lined up are meet and greet with the Harimau Malaya, the national football team of Malaysia, the Al Mazayen bird competition, fine art and photography competitions, movie screenings including “Neko Ninja” by the Japanese Embassy and “Ola Bola” related to the AFC, and a craft market featuring traditional crafts and folk heritage revival.
The extensive exhibition lineup also includes exhibitions of Asian Cup postage stamps, traditional wooden ships, oud instrument history, Qatari art, Katara international exhibit for Kahraman, sand exhibit, Katara International Asian Nations exhibit featuring 70 artists.
