The first day of Eid al-Adha celebrations at Katara – the Cultural Village on Tuesday attracted thousands of visitors, featuring an array of entertainment shows, a gift-distribution activity and a spectacular fireworks display.
A musical band from the Police Training Institute enthralled the crowd with its presentation during the opening salvo – a much-awaited special parade at Katara Esplanade from 8.15pm.
“I, my wife and children, love to watch these kinds of shows, and we have been anticipating the parade and fireworks display during the Eid al-Adha celebrations at Katara,” said Puneeth, an Asian expatriate, adding that they prefer to spend the holidays at the cultural village.
After the show, his two daughters and other children received Eid gifts from Katara staff. 
Katara also organised competitions and fun activities for children at the amphitheatre, which drew a large number of spectators who took videos and photographs of the performances.



A fireworks display at Katara on Tuesday evening. Supplied picture

Eateries at Katara offered a variety of food and beverage at the event, apart from the complimentary bottled water and refreshments provided by the Cultural Village.
After the last live performance by the Police Training Institute’s musical band, the celebration concluded with a colourful fireworks display at 9.45pm, which was also witnessed by a large number of spectators along the Doha Corniche and Museum of Islamic Art.
Besides the performances at the esplanade, the Eid celebrations at Katara also feature a number of exhibitions taking place in different buildings.
Katara noted that residents in Qatar will have the chance to see artworks by local and international artists at three of its exhibitions, open to the public from 10am to 10pm. These are ‘The Colour Bar’, which showcases paintings and art installations of popular anime cartoon characters by six Qatari artists (Building 19); ‘Sajaya’ (simplicity) displays 24 Arabic calligraphy works of Turkish calligrapher Zaki al-Hashemi, highlighting the Arab and Islamic heritage (Building 18); and the 'The Chant of Stability' by Qatari artist Maryam al-Mulla (Building 22), a mural portraying the unjust blockade of Qatar. 
According to the organisers, artists have been showcasing their works at Katara, helping further contribute to the vibrant art scene in the country.
Related Story