Range of activities include performances by Um Khalaf and grandma Memo in Freej Aspire

Garangao sweets will be distributed to kids

Aspire Zone Foundation invites the local community to join its special celebratory Garangao night on Wednesday evening, 1^st of July/ Ramadan 15^th, at Freej Aspire, which was inaugurated last Thursday by H.E. Dr. Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, the Minister of Culture, Art and Heritage

Garangao is traditionally celebrated every year at the end of the first half of Ramadan. During the night, children visit their neighbours’ homes in traditional dress and sing traditional songs to collect sweets.

Garangao rewards children for fasting during the first half of Ramadan and encourages them to continue to fast during the second half of the month. It also aims to thank “Al Mosaher”, an individual who dedicates his time to waking people up for Suhoor meals throughout Ramadan.

Aspire Zone Foundation will be celebrating Garangao in its own special way with a unique event that takes place in Freej Aspire, launched by Aspire Zone for the first time this year. Feerej Aspire aims to spread joy and happiness amongst local communities and keep younger generations connected with old traditions as well as introduce Qatari history and heritage to the country’s residents.

The Garangao night at Freej Aspire will involve a number of sports activities and entertainment for adults and children, as well as the participation of a number of local organisations.

Activities will include Grandma Memo, Um Khalaf, a magician, kids’ crafts, traditional games and songs, storytelling and kids’ adventure movie “Ponyo,” produced by the Doha Film Institute.

Other activities include a competition for the best traditional dress. Three winners will each receive an iPhone and iPad device. Winners will be selected according to the number of “Likes” they generate on social media.

Commenting on the Garangao event, Mr. Nasser Abdullah Al Hajri, Marketing Director at Aspire Zone Foundation, said: “We’re pleased to play our part in creating joy during this Holy Month. We invite everybody to join us for the Garangao night taking place in Freej Aspire, where culture and heritage combine with happiness and joy. We’re continually seeking to create an atmosphere which children and adults can enjoy and we encourage everyone to come and discover the many activities taking place during this amazing night.”

Freej Aspire is situated in a new space that features the latest cooling technology designed to keep the temperature at a cool 25 degrees. Aspire Zone Foundation organised the layout of the Freej in the shape of adjoining houses based on the traditional “Liwan” design and which includes a number of stores and handicraft workshops in addition to storytelling booths, food stations and a number of other elements designed to replicate the environment of an authentic “Freej”. The Freej Aspire is located in Muhairjah area (if travelling from Al Sadd, turn right at Muhairjah signal and the Freej will be 500 meters after the signal on your left).

Additionally, “Freej Aspire” activities, which run daily from 9:30pm to midnight include the “Sloom Ahel Qatar” programme, organised in partnership with Qatar Charity and designed to revive Qatari traditions and customs. The Sloom programme includes lectures, forums, traditional competitions as well as giving visitors the chance to learn about the history of photography, the profession of sailing, falcon training, and a number of other traditional activities.

Freej Aspire also offers visitors the chance to experience sports and customs that reflect traditional values from across GCC such as the local Al Arda dance, Al Rababah shows, cultural lectures, shows by comedians as well as storytelling. This is in addition to activities designed to raise awareness of charity work and Qatar’s cultural heritage. The reaction from visitors to the Freej has been very positive, with many applauding its organisation and the idea behind it. Those attending have commented enjoy being at this fun cultural festival with their families during Ramadan.

For more information on Freej Aspire, please call 5505 9119.

For more information about the Ramadan activities and timings, please visit our website: www.lifeinaspire.qa/ramadan

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QNE

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