(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
A large number of people have visited the 11th Karara International Dhow festival last week.
The festival reflects on the renowned marine heritage and traditions of Qatar and the region.
The 11th edition is spread out on a large expanse at Katara beachfront esplanade. It offers more cultural shows, as well as the craftsman's market, pavilions of 20 participating countries, and live painting artist.. This is in addition to the participating museums, bodies and ministries including the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Municipality, the Engineering Office, Qatar Museums Authority and Mathaf, Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Museum.
The first week witnessed a big appreciation for the first-ever Al Nahma competition where seven participated from Qatar, three from Iraq, and two from Kuwait. Locals follow this marine singing art with great interest and passion. It is one of the most famous marine arts in Qatar and the Arabian Gulf, closely related to the marine environment, fishing trips and pearl diving. The 'Nahman' takes turns to sing a number of marine 'mawwal' that many visitors love. The singers move the audiences with their masterful performances between the art of the Nahma, its various sights and its many melodies, which differ if a ship is at sea or when a ship is docked.
Meanwhile, the operetta with school children's' performances continues to be a big draw on stage. Also, the traditional story-telling competitions and stage shows are on and will continue throughout the festival.
The Haddaq Al-Saif fishing competition is also taking place on all days of the fortnight-long festival.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Museum has put historic facts through books which narrate legendary tales of the past about guns, the finding of oil and its journey in the region, marine navigational tools, trade and life in the 19th and 20th century.
Deep-sea diving and precious pearls which are native to Qatar are also displayed from all over the pacific region. The Qatar Museums pavilion has showcased some of the most rare and finest pearls, from both fresh water and sea, with description of how they are found and the marine life around the pearls.
Still on pearls, visitors can preview some fine and precious pearl jewellery on display by Al Majd Jewellery. They also have save artisans working live on pearls and show how pearls are curated and crafted to blend with jewels.
Patrons can also enjoy a cinematic presentation of the 'Fath Al Khair' — Qatar's famous traditional dhow boat which has made trips around the world. The public can also witness various dhows on the waters of Katara where people can ride during the evening. Moreover, you can also get up close to the said dhows via floating café which can be accessible via free water taxi. Aside from the said competitions and booths, visitors can delight to live music, folk bands, and traditional food of various cuisines all throughout the festival which will run until December 18.
The Dhow festival is open from 9am to 12 noon and from 3pm to 10pm. On weekends, it will remain open until 11pm. And on Fridays, The festival will open at 3pm.
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