(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha: Visitors and guests of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 have been experiencing a distinctive cultural and tourism experience at the Katara Cultural Village, where the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival based at the Katara Beach promenade has been buzzing with a maritime heritage atmosphere at the pavilions of the participating countries.
Nine countries are participating in the 12th edition of Katara Traditional Dhow Festival – which coincides with the World Cup and will run until December 18. Among the pavilions are countries from Iraq, Oman, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Palestine.
The Iraqi House, with its various activities attracts great interest as it presents a diverse participation that includes traditional crafts and handicrafts such as carpets and palm fronds, in addition to various exhibits related to the marine heritage in Iraq.
The supervisor of the Omani House said:“As a whole, the Omani participation is distinguished at the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival, whether in relation to the exhibits of the Omani House in various fields related to the Omani maritime heritage or the famous Omani sweets industry and the presence of a number of craftsmen specialized in Al Tawasha - fishing tools. We also have the Omani folk band, which continuously presents a show that enjoys the admiration of the audience.”
The Tanzanian House provides the public with an insight into its marine heritage. One of the participants at their pavilion said:“We provide visitors with everything related to the sea and fishing, whether in jewellery or in clothes and bags. In addition to handicrafts related to women's adornment in particular, and some pictures and drawings inspired by the culture of Tanzania. Our booth is witnessing a great turnout from different nationalities.”
The Zanzibar pavilion supervisor said:“Every year we participate at the Katara Traditional Dhow Festival. We provide visitors with live performances of painting and traditional crafts in Zanzibar related to fishing and sea work, which would show our common heritage history with the countries of the region.”
Meanwhile, the Palestinian pavilion presents a scene inspired by the Palestinian traditional life with a group of women preparing their traditional bread. This pavilion is very popular with international visitors.
Traditional dresses at the festival also attract visitors. The heritage photography pavilion sees women, men and even children take souvenir photos wearing the Qatari dress.
The traditional marine crafts is also something that attracts the audience. These include the making of medicines for fishing - live in front of the audience and the craft related to the manufacture of ships and boats (Qalaf), which occupies a prominent position among traditional industries for their various types and uses in fishing and diving, pearls and trade, in addition to other folk crafts such as palmettes, wooden items, blacksmithing, spinning industry (fishing nets), ropes, gargoyles (metal cages), coel-making (wedges) and other ancient marine artifacts.