Happy Garangao!

Qatar is gearing up for a festive Garangao tonight, with various celebrations taking place around town.

Garangao is a regional and traditional celebration that falls on the 14th night of every Ramadan.

Here is our recommended list of events taking place today:

1.The Pearl-Qatar:
The United Development Company (UDC) will be holding an event from 8.30pm to 11.30pm in Porto Arabia, 18 La Croisette, whereby children can engage in activities such as face painting, henna drawing, falcon display, balloon twisting, ceramique painting. The children will also be receiving gifts and of course, yummy treats! For more information, call: +974 44463444

2. Katara:
Organized with the Childhood Cultural Center, Katara is holding a festival that is set to recreate the Garangao traditions. The celebrations will kick off with a theatrical concert at 7pm in Building 12. After that, there will be a puppet theatre, a reading corner, an art and short story writing workshops, as well as photography, talent and handicraft corners. Children will also be able to collect goodies from 16 spots around Katara, and can engage in traditional games. Sounds like fun!

3. Aspire Park:
At 9.30pm, the Aspire Zone Foundation will be featuring a small village of traditionally decorated houses, whereby women will be distributing goodies to children. There will also be a special film screening by the Doha Film Institute of the Oscar nominated film, “Children of Heaven,” at 11.30pm in the Aspire Zone tent.

4. Landmark & Villaggio Malls:
The two malls are collaborating with Qatar Heritage and Cultural Village to feature a parade for children to take part in singing Garangao songs and receive goodie bags.

5. Souq Waqif, Al Mirqab Boutique Hotel:
Traditional Henna painting for children, competitions, story-telling, and most importantly, goodie bags! The celebrations will begin at 8.30 pm at the Al Mirqab Hotel Exhibition Hall.

Have a great Garangao, and let us know what you thought of the events!

Watch this video for a glimpse of Garango traditions:

Garangao from RED MONKEY PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.

Souces: UDC Qatar, The Peninsula, Aspire Zone Foundation
Image Source: Jasseem.wordpress.com