It’s time for the children to get excited this year with the annual Garangao celebrations which occur half way through Ramadan. It is a uniquely Qatari tradition which is celebrated as part of the rich cultural heritage of Qatar.
What is #Garangao #قرنقعوه
The event occurs on the 14th night in the middle of the month of Ramadan, when parents traditionally sent their children out into the local neighbourhood to collect sweets and nuts. The children are dressed brightly in their Garangao clothing and are expected to sing the special Garangao song before they collect the nuts and sweets.
During Ramadan 2016 Garangao will officially take place on Sunday 19th June, however Garangao events are taking place throughout the week.
There is much to learn about this cultural tradition. Watch the following film by Doha Film Institute which explains more about the background, and the tradition of “Gara-Gara-Garangao!”
Renowned storyteller, Um Khalaf, sees it as an important part of Qatari tradition:
‘Take care of it, preserve it and strive to plant it in your children’s hearts.’
Some of the more popular Garangao activities take included Garangao treasure or sweet collections, craft activities, and other celebrations. Last year’s biggest events took place at Aspire Zone, Ezdan Mall, Hyatt Plaza Mall, Katara, The Pearl-Qatar and Qatar Foundation.
As Ramadan Events become more organised more venues in the city are utilising the local traditions to provide free events for the public as part of their PR and outreach programme. And for those of you who saw the following promo last year by QNB…this “Arab Willy-Wonky-esque World” of sweets isn’t quite what happens…but it would be fun!
Where to Celebrate Garangao In Qatar – Ramadan 2016
- Please do keep a note of the dates and timings of the events – as some parents may find it is far too late for younger children.
- You may have to call to confirm attendance for some events, although most events are free and open to the public.
- Some events are time-sensitive, so be sure to arrive on time where possible.
- Keep an eye on your children as late-night events can get busy.
- Be sure to double-check timings of events before heading out, as venues may change last-minute details from those listed.
Maktaba Qatar
Maktaba Qatar is hosting Garangao events for children on Tuesday 21st June 2016 at its location at Al Mabahej & Saha 33, Doha, Qatar. Requires Reservation. For more information, and to reserve a place, call +974 4427 8810 or email info@maktabaqatar.org specifying the name and age of your child.
They will also be hosting a Garangao event at The Gate Mall which doesn’t require reservation. It is scheduled for Sunday June 19th & Monday June 20th 2016 from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.
The Gate Mall
The Gate Mall will be hosting Garangao activities on Sunday 19th & Monday 20th June from 8.00pm at the First Floor Hall Maysaloun Hall. There will be face painting by Cando Doha, storytelling by Maktaba Qatar, Balloon Twisting by Gymboree Play, Henna, and photography session by Qatar Photography Club. Free Mall parking will be available. For more information call +974 4407 7201.
Qatar National Conventio Centre (QNCC)
Celebrate Garangao night at QNCC at their new “Eidieh” Ramadan Festival on Sunday 19th June 2016 from 9.00pm. The Eidieh Ramadan Festival is scheduled to occur until 30th June 2016 at QNCC – expect Heritage, entertainment and Bazar Halls under one roof. For more information call +974 4442 2208 or email info@eidieh.com.
Freej Aspire
Freej Aspire is Aspire Zone’s annual Ramadan Event which is open from 11-18 June 2016 from 9:00pm until 1:00am.
Garangao event is scheduled for 19th June 2016 at 8:30pm until 2:00am. You can check timings by contacting Aspire Zone.
Qatar Foundation
Qatar Foundation is inviting the entire community to join its Garangao celebrations at Al Shaqab’s Indoor Arena on Friday 17th June from 7:30pm until midnight.
There will be a variety of activities for the whole family, including traditional games Gaiss, Dahouri, Taq Taqieh, as well as pony rides and crafts.
Qatar Solar Technology (QSTec), a QF member, will facilitate creative lantern making sessions using solar panels – join them at Katara Cultural Village Hall 19 from 8.00pm until 10.00pm until 25th June 2016.
Children can blend their own healthy smoothies by cycling to generate energy through ‘Sahtak Awalan: Your Health First’, an initiative of Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q).
The Qur’anic Botanic Garden (QBG) will offer planting activities, as well as 3D puzzles and virtual reality games, while Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) will stage a puppet show and storytelling session in conjunction with Qatar National Library (QNL).
National Reading Campaign events on the evening will include a Book Hangout, where children can dress up as their favorite storybook characters and act out specific scenes; bookmark making sessions; games and oversized puzzles.
Some events will include a small fee, which will be donated to Reach Out To Asia’s (ROTA’s) ‘Reach into Qatar’ initiative; a volunteer project that extends community development assistance across Qatar by renovating and refurbishing houses of less fortunate families.
For more information call +974 4454 0000 or email info@qf.org.qa
The Pearl-Qatar
The Pearl-Qatar will be celebrating Garangao night on Sunday 19th June 2016 from 9:00pm until 12:00am midnight in the indoor arena of Souq Al Medina in Medina Centrale.
Children’s activities will include storytelling in a traditional tent setting, henna and face painting stations, bouncing castles, inflatable slides alongside sweet treats. There will also be Garangao giveaway treats for the kids.
(Please note that Eid Al Fitr celebrations on The Pearl Qatar are scheduled from 8th July 5:00pm and will include Bubble Show performance, Aladdin Theater Show on stage, Arts Workshop for kids, Drawing area).
For more information call +974 4409 5155
Violette Chocolatier
Violette Chocolatier host children for Garangao Night on Sunday June 19th at 8:00pm. With face painting, henna and Garangao gifts.
For more information call +974444 5565
Katara Cultural Village
Katara will hold its annual Garangao celebrations with a children’s garangao gift collection around Katara’s main amphitheatre on Sunday 19th June 2016 at 8:00pm until 11:00pm. The expected route will be as below:
Royal Plaza Mall
Royal Plaza Mall in Al Saad will be celebrating Garangao with children’s activities, free henna and face painting, and sweets. Activities are scheduled for Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th June from 8:00pm until 10:30pm.
For more information call +974 441300 or email pr@royalplazadoha.com
Ezdan Mall
Ezdan Mall has scheduled regular children’s activities at the Basement Floor (near Vodafone Area) every Friday from 17th June until 1st of July 2016, from 8:00pm until 11:00pm. Events include cooking class, crafts and storytelling.
Their Garangao event will be held on Friday 24th June, and includes a walk around the mall shops where children will collect sweet treats.
For more information call +974 4433 4141
Souq Waqif
All are welcome to the celebration of the traditional night of Garangao in Souq Waqif, hosted by Sout Al Rayyan, on Sunday 19th June from 7:00pm until 11:45pm.
For more information call +974 4424 0447 (Sout Al Rayyan Radio)
Al Jomrok Boutique Hotel
Enjoy Garangao night with Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels. On Sunday 19th June from 8:30pm until 10:00pm at Al Jomrok Boutique Hotel with piñata, face painting, children’s activities and games. Make sure to confirm your attendance by calling +974 4433 6616.
Souq Waqif Art Center
Enjoy Garangao creative activities on Sunday 19th June 2016 from 8:00pm until 11:00pm at Souq Waqif Art Centre. Activities include Ramadan lantern, Greeting card, Paint names on T-shirt, Calligraphy painting of your name.
For more information call +974 44176204 | +974 5573 8643 or email souqwaqifartcenter@hotmail.com
Dar Al-Salam Mall
Enjoy Garangao activities at Dar Al Salam Mall (Abu Hamour) from 8.00pm until 11.00pm on Sunday 19th June 2016. There will be family activities. For more information call +974 4016 3573.
Shakespeare & Co.
Shakespeare and Co. will be celebrating Garangao at their Dar Al Salam branch with a free family event on Sunday 19th June 2016 from 9:00pm until midnight. Families and children will be able to enjoy a night spent with the much loved Um Khammas with everyone having a chance to take a picture with her. All guests will receive a box of Shakespeare and Co. chocolates.
For more information call +974 6676 8812
Pic Feature Credit: The Pearl-Qatar