A stilt walker dressed as a fun character performs at Souq Al Wakra as part of the Eid Festival. PIC: Ahmed Barakat
Thousands thronged Qatar’s Souq Waqif yesterday as the five-day Eid Festival kicked off at the iconic market and simultaneously at Souq Al Wakra. The festival, which will run from 4pm to 11pm, includes skill games for kids, marching bands, fun shows with children’s favourite characters, and many other activities. Besides, there are henna painting stations, local snack stalls, and beads and handicrafts corners.
The free event began with a parade from the festival’s main point at Pigeon Square opposite Fanar. Drummers marched around the Souq with kids trailing, stopping at several corridors as residents and tourists cheered on.
The festival at the iconic Souq Waqif, which is over 200 years old, aims to unite families and friends in celebration after the Holy Month of Ramadan. The historical significance of the Souq Waqif, the main heritage souq in the country, makes it a wholesome venue in Doha alongside the Souq Al Wakra.
Speaking to The Peninsula, a Doha resident Mahmood Rajan who was with his family, said Souq Waqif is their favourite destination because of the space for children to play and its proximity to other fun locations.
“We have been here several times as a family but still prefer coming to this place. The kids have enough space to ride their bikes and scooters, and the rest of us adults can sit and relax with a coffee or try some new food,” Rajan said.
“You can see the crowd; I must say I didn’t expect this much because they always claim people travel out of Doha to celebrate days like this, but I think we can put that to bed. The crowd is amazing but controlled, and there are so many things to engage the kids,” he added.
For other revellers, the festival brings back memories of the just-concluded FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Ethan, a European expat, said he hosted visited the Souq every day during the World Cup, and the crowd for the Eid Festival reminds him of how alive the Souq was during the tournament.
“This area down to the Corniche was alive during the World Cup, and I have the same feeling today. It feels like a traditional market, and the diverse restaurants also help with food options,” Ethan told The Peninsula.
“Doha has much to offer regarding relaxation and fun; it depends on what an individual wants. Here at Souq Waqif, we can check out some antique stuff – I just bought an antique chess set; I can walk to the Souq Waqif Art Center to see some inspiring pieces, visit Msheireb, walk down the Corniche… it’s a lovely place.”
While residents and tourists are entertained by the activities, shops and restaurant owners benefit from the festival due to the large crowd. At one of the restaurants around the Pouce (thumb) installation, the manager said they had been swamped with orders and customers with several reservations pending.
“The last time we had a crowd like this was during the World Cup. For business, I am thrilled with the festival. Sadly, it is only for five days. I would want it to be extended.”
