(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Doha: The Cultural Village Foundation (Katara) is all set for the opening of the 10th Katara Traditional Dhow Festival today at the Katara Esplanade.
Even before its launch, the five-day festival has been generating huge buzz from Katara visitors curious to see what the festival, which celebrates a decade of success this year, can offer amid the pandemic.
Yesterday, a number of curious onlookers were seen at the venue which saw organisers and participants making final preparations for today's much-awaited kick-off.
Over a dozen traditional dhows of different types, sizes and designs could be seen displayed at the Esplanade. Katara Beach was abuzz with participants setting up the different stalls which will display various marine products and demonstrate the process of making dhows and other marine related products using traditional tools and equipment.
Dozens more dhows of various kinds are moored on the beach for festival visitors to see starting today at 3.30pm.
Festival organizers have stressed that the event will implement health and safety precautionary measures against COVID-19 as per the Ministry of Public Health protocols to protect its visitors.
Apart from participants from Qatar, the festival, which highlights authentic maritime traditions inspired by Qatar's ancestral past, also witnesses the participation of Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, and Zanzibar (Tanzania).
A number of exciting competitions and marine shows are among the major features of this year's festival, besides a variety of cultural activities and events that reflect ancestral heritage and shed light on the ancient maritime history aimed at restoring culture and preserving folk heritage.
The activities include exhibitions displaying maritime heritage collections from various participating countries, special pavilions of traditional handicrafts, and workshops showcasing ship-building process and ancient craft. In addition, visitors can enjoy story-telling and traditional stage shows throughout the festival as well as Al Shoush, Al Haddaq and Al Tafris competitions. Among the performers at the show is an Omani folk band who will entertain visitors with artistic performances throughout the festival days.
The festival is open today from 3.30pm till 10pm. Tomorrow, on Thursday and Saturday, the event will be open from 10am to 10pm and on Friday from 1pm to 11pm.
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