(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula
Mall shows at shopping centres participating in Eid Al Adha celebrations organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) proved a huge draw among visitors of all ages as the country marked the third day of Eid holidays yesterday.
Gulf Mall, where a number of roaming shows are being held, saw big turnout of visitors yesterday. Solo artistes as well as troupes captivated hundreds of mall-goers with their unique performances and colourful costumes.
Eid Al Adha celebrations organised by QTA at Gulf Mall.Pictures: Qassim Rahamtullah / The Peninsula
The artistes and acts included an Oud player, Geisha characters, Chinese dragon dancers, African drummers, Wonderland parade, Drumix parade and Giant ball walker.
Families, who trooped to Gulf Mall, enjoyed watching the roaming shows as well as taking photos with the performers wearing elaborate costumes.
'These past few days have been a good chance for family bonding and we thought going to the mall is the best way because the weather is still hot. My daughters have enjoyed watching the performers, said Alma, who was seen with her children watching the Drumix parade, a five-member band from Lebanon playing in Doha for the first time. The festive spirit shown by the Dragon dance, which is a traditional Chinese dance dating back hundreds of years, also drew huge crowds of mall-goers.
'What is admirable in the performances this year is that they are not only here to entertain but also display a slice of various cultures such as Chinese, African, Japanese and Qatari, which is very important in promoting understanding among people, said Roger, a visitor at Gulf Mall.
The increase in the number of visitors was also noticed at Lagoona Mall with its thrice-daily staging of Peter Pan watched by hundreds of children and families.
Eid Al Adha celebrations at The Lagoona Mall yesterday. Pictures: Kammutty VP / The Peninsula
Young audiences took a journey to the mythical island of Neverland with Peter Pan in his adventures along with fairies, pirates and Native Americans. Those who watched the shows were also treated to a meet and greeted and photo session with the characters.
The hour-long play is staged at 4.30pm, 7.30pm and 9.30pm today and tomorrow.
The Theatrical Circus Group which was a crowd-puller at Mall of Qatar on the first day of Eid Al Adha made a comeback on the mall's Oasis Stage yesterday to yet another successful series of shows with hundreds in the audience as they performed 30-mintue long acts with such variety.
Other malls taking part in the celebrations have also seen more people visiting to avail big discounts and a chance to win any of the prizes which will be raffled off tomorrow including cash bonanza and a luxury car. Up to 50 percent discounts are being offered to customers of various outlets at the shopping centres including Doha Festival City, Landmark, Al Khor Mall, The Mall, Lagoona Mall, Mall of Qatar and Gulf Mall.
Meanwhile, hundreds of visitors thronged Katara to watch shadow theatre, which is the unque highlight of its Eid Al Adha offering this year. They also experienced the breathtaking sight of the fireworks display at Katara beachfront.
Last night also saw the staging of the third summer edition of Doha Comedy Festival, a rare show which gathered on one stage a diverse line-up of stand-up comedy stars including Mo Amer, Maz Jobrani, Nemr Nemr, Vir Das and Qatari stand-up comedian Hamad AlAmmari.
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