Halal Qatar Festival, a window to heritage and tradition

The 11th edition of Halal Qatar Festival, organised by Katara – the Cultural Village Foundation, continued to attract more visitors Friday.The event, which runs until February 24 at Katara's southern side, showcases an integral part of the local heritage and tradition, linked to the old ways of life where herds of sheep and goats were key to everyday life.The festival – open daily from 9am to 12 noon and 4pm-10pm – is an excellent opportunity for the younger generations to relive the daily practices of their ancestors and how they used to value their environment and surroundings.Halal Qatar Festival is an excellent opportunity for herd and livestock owners and raisers to exchange experiences on the best practices in the field and enhance their flock with excellent breeds through the daily auction.A beauty competition for the best breeds of sheep and goat of different categories is another attraction.The annual event is considered one of the best means to encourage livestock production in the country and improving both the quantity and quality of the produce, while also opening new markets for those in the field.The accompanying culture, artistic and commercial activities add more joy and fun to the visitors at the festival, a Katara statement added.The official Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported on the works of several female plastic artists who are inspired by the "Halal" heritage.Plastic artist Maryam al-Mulla said that she is participating for the third time in the cultural events accompanying the Halal Qatar Festival, including a "studio” and a competition.She chose the camel as the theme for her painting, because it represents a source of inspiration for her, reflecting patience and endurance, and is known for its historical role in travel and transport.Artist Amira Radhi told the QNA that her participation in the competition of the 11th edition of the Halal Qatar Festival follows her participation in the cultural events accompanying the recently concluded third edition of the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival.