By Raynald C Rivera
DOHA: Souq Waqif burst into festive spirit as hundreds of visitors attended the opening of the annual Spring Festival yesterday.
Stilt walkers in fancy costumes, clowns, acrobats and traditional Khaleeji folkloric troupes entertained people from various age groups with performances in alleys and on stage as part of the 15-day festival.
The alleys were filled with visitors taking videos and photos of the stilt walkers and performers passing by in regular intervals.
Another set of stiltwalkers entertained visitors at the new Souq Waqif Park above the underground parking lot which opened last year.
After a week, a new group of stiltwalkers and street performers will arrive to bring smiles to the visitors to the famous tourist destination in the city. The park’s Open Theatre was also abuzz with activities as children participated in painting, sculpture and origami competition.
Several stages have been put up at Al Hamam square and its adjacent area, which used to be a parking space, in which shows, including traditional folkloric performances, were shown.
A movie theatre which looked like a giant white orb witnessed long queues of people curious to see what was being shown inside. Four short international 360-degree movies were screened for free from 4pm to 8pm at the dome.
The Giant Fountain Circus show, the main attraction at the festival which is staged twice nightly, was also a big draw. Concerts featuring renowned Arab singers are also presented by Al Rayyan Radio nightly at Al Hamam Square. Workshops at the Souq Waqif Art Center include Spring flowers ceramic and decoupage, mural line, water painting, reverse glass art, desert rose carving and an artists’ forum.
Stalls are located around the venues while restaurants and coffee shops saw good business due to the festival’s added attractions.
The opening of the 2,000-stall underground parking area has also increased tourist turnout in the souq.
The shows are open to the public from 3.30pm to 10pm until February 4.
The Peninsula
