Joanna James
Home to a diverse populace, Qatar hosts an array of vibrant and unforgettable local festivities each year. From religious events to international recreational festivals, here's a list of some of the Middle Eastern country's most colourful local celebrations.
Taking place in the capital of Qatar during the month of March every year, the Aspire International Kite Festival is held at Aspire Park as its name suggests. Welcoming some of the region's most enthusiastic kite flyers, this annual event also sees kite flyers from countries around the world travel to Doha in order to take part in the festivities. Qatari kites are often made the traditional way with conventional designs as there are families that specialise in kite making techniques around the country. Some of the festival's main highlights include the kite-making workshops, cultural showcases, processions, and competitions.
Art lovers based at Al Najada Doha Hotel by Tivoli or any similar spa hotels in Doha must venture down to the Katara Cultural Village for the Qatar International Art Festival. Taking centre stage for nearly a week in the early part of November or late October, this annual festival sees more than two hundred artists from around the world take part. The workshops, fashion shows, and painting displays are the main draws for art enthusiasts to take part in the festivities, which are free to access for all members of the public.
Another free festival held at Doha's Katara Cultural Village, the Ajyal Film Festival is for serious film fanatics and music lovers. Inviting some of the globe's leading filmmakers, actors, artists, and musicians, the film festival celebrates every element of the motion arts with video game contests, musical performances and film screenings.
Fans of ancient Arabian sailing boats and seafaring vessels should not miss the chance to enjoy Katara Traditional Dhow Festival. Held in December, more than seventy boats of various sizes and scales but traditional make are on display each year at this one-of-a-kind festival, which pays homage to local ingenuity in boat design. Other reasons to take part in the festival include the fireworks display, which takes place at the venue as well as any art exhibitions and opportunities to sail on traditional dhows for 30 minutes.
Celebrating the rich cultural legacy of Doha and by extension, Qatar, the Doha Cultural Festival is a fitting tribute to the traditional dance forms, poetry and all other forms of creativity. The event, which is graced by the Prince of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani himself, is a great place to listen to poetry readings, music shows and witness the many storytelling traditions that are part of the local culture.
Beginning during the last 3 days of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr sees the entire country come together to feast and make merry after nearly a month of fasting. Households are decorated with lights and banners as local restaurants also prepare special buffets to mark this special festival in the Islamic calendar.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
