Magnificent Darb Lusail Parade kicks off

The three-day Darb Lusail Parade 2023 kicked off yesterday at the Lusail Boulevard, featuring a grand display of entertainment shows, live performances and fun-filled, family-friendly activities along the 1.3km avenue.
Lusail Boulevard is once again hosting a spectacular and crowd-puller event nearly three months after hosting the Qatar National Day parade last year – which highlighted Argentina’s win during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 final.
At the launch of the Darb Lusail Parade 2023, roving mascots, stilt walkers and LED dancers dressed in unique and colourful costumes welcomed a large number of visitors who are spending the weekend with their families, groups of friends or colleagues.
The festive mood at the venue was reminiscent of the World Cup fever where football fans could be seen enjoying the music, shows, and the various interactive games, in addition to the appeal of sport-themed boulevard sections and a wide variety of local and international cuisines on offer.
“It’s been a while since the football fever and my family and I are very happy to be here and experience another exciting and enjoyable festival. My son loves to see mascots and popular cartoon characters, and for me that’s one way of shifting his focus away from electronic gadgets,” Indian expatriate Sachin M told Gulf Times.
He lauded the organisers for presenting yet another “amazing event for residents and visitors to enjoy and engage with”, apart from the annual festivities being held in the country.
While the parade enthralled spectators along the avenue, cultural shows led by Qatari musicians and performers serenaded the crowd. The programme runs from 6pm to 11pm, giving spectators the opportunity to experience folk shows, carnival bands, global street arts, and the Qatar Brass Band, as well as children’s section and henna stations.
Every station and section of the boulevard also features a different show and activity: military symphony orchestra, laser light shows, lifestyle dance and skate performances.
The Qatar Brass Band’s performance was one of the highlights yesterday at the boulevard as it enthralled spectators with its popular original, as well as international music pieces such as Titanic film’s theme, My heart will go on.
“Lusail Boulevard is so appealing to a lot of people. It’s actually one of the best and memorable places besides the Lusail Stadium and Souq Waqif that comes to my mind when we talk about the World Cup last year,” said Filipino expatriate Mark RL.
“The architecture and design, its modernity, and all the things that it offers as a destination are exceptional. I hope that these events will continue throughout the year,” he said while expressing optimism that Lusail Boulevard will soon become a popular entertainment hub and food destination.
The Darb Lusail Parade serves as a curtain raiser of the Qatar International Food Festival 2023, which begins tomorrow (Saturday). The event running until March 21, marking the country’s diverse food and beverage, as well as hospitality offerings, is also expected to draw thousands of visitors and spectators.