Children take photos with street performers at the fourth Katara Winter Festival.
The fourth Katara Winter Festival, which opened on Sunday, is attracting hundreds of visitors to Katara Esplanade to watch street performers and traditional shows as well as participate in games and workshops.
The festival, which runs until Thursday, offers a diverse array of events and activities which combine education and entertainment catered to all types of audience. Many people including families thronged the festival yesterday taking advantage of the pleasant weather as they spend their free time as the festival coincides with schools’ spring break.
Children took part in activities organized by the Childhood Cultural Centre comprising a range of educational programs and interactive competitions on the history of Qatar and games such as giant board games and crossword puzzles.
The Qatar Heritage and Identity Center provides a range of educational and awareness activities concerning Qatari heritage and national identity, as well as theatrical presentations, lectures and programs for the winter season. Environmental awareness and appreciation is also a main element of the program children know the different plants and flowers native to the country and their benefits. Acrobatic performances, ice sculpture and magic tricks also proved a crowd pleaser at the festival.
While Al-Gannas Association has organised an interactive exhibition and workshop on falconry and Saluki, Katara Souq has put up a display of local antiques and traditional food. The organizers of Al-Galayel Championship also hosts an exhibition showcasing collectables and equipment from previous championships.
In addition, Bin Muftah Medical Centre presents an informative session on preventing winter diseases.
The Katara Festival for Arabian Atyab, a new initiative in Katara launched simultaneously with the Winter Festival also draws a huge number of visitors interested on Arabian perfumes. The festival, which runs until February 12, features Arabian scents and the history, literature, folklore and tradition associated with oud fragrances.
