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CATHERINE W GICHUKI
DOHA
The Souq Al Wakrah Spring Festival got off to a colourful start on Thursday with an array of cultural shows and stage performances.
Hundreds of people turned up on the first day to enjoy the performances and stage shows
The highlight of the festival was the staging of an operetta near the seaside which shed light on the life in Qatar before the discovery of oil and gas.
Dressed in traditional attires, men, women, boys and girls recreated scenes about how people depended on pearl diving and the challenges associated with the sea.
Traditional Qatari items such as dhows, lanterns, walking stick, pearl divers package, were used in the show.
Besides, there was a kids' zone featuring several games, swings and rides for the children. Stilt walkers are there too to entertain the visitors.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Souq Al Wakrah Manager Khalid al Suwaidi said they were expecting many people to attend the festival and that they decided to host the festival to give Qatar residents more options.
"Souq Al Wakrah is quiet because many events are held in Doha. Through the festival, we expect to attract many visitors to Souq Al Wakrah, especially families," he said, adding that the festival is expected to attract about 10,000 visitors a day.
Talking about the operetta, he said they wanted to showcase Qatar's culture, especially what the families had gone through when their men went diving.
Adults and children are part of show because they want everyone to learn about the Qatari culture.
"We want to promote Qatari culture. Children and adults dressed in traditional clothes acted in the play," he said.
Apart from the performances and stage shows, a spectacular display of fireworks will be held on Friday at 8pm.
"This is the first time that we are hosting fireworks at Souq Al Wakrah," said Suwaidi.
Suwaidi urged people to come and explore Souq Al Wakrah.
"I would like to welcome everyone here," he said.
He said Souq Al Wakrah hosts many events at least every three-four months.
