The 10th edition of the Senyar Festival, organized by the Cultural Village Foundation, Katara, kicked off in Doha, Qatar, with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Old Doha Port. A total of 69 traditional dhows, carrying 850 captains and sailors, took part in the event, including participants from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Qatar. The festival, which will run until May 4, is sponsored by the Social and Sport Contribution Fund (DAAM) along with various entities and companies.
Jihad Al Jaida, head of the festival’s jury, highlighted the smooth and successful start of the Senyar 2024 despite some challenges such as emergency weather conditions. The traditional competitions, Hadaq and Al Laffah, began after the heavy rains ceased and the winds calmed down. Al Jaida emphasized the fair and competitive atmosphere of the event and the designated times for hunting from 4:30am to 6pm during the competition days. The Al Qaffal celebration on May 4 at Katara Beach will announce the winning teams, with prizes totaling QR1m for the first team, QR500,000 for the second, and QR300,000 for the third.
Furthermore, there are additional prizes for the teams with the highest catch of fish, with QR50,000 for the top team, QR30,000 for the second, and QR20,000 for the third. Al Jaida mentioned that the top 15 teams in the Senyar competitions will qualify for the “Balmasan” tournament on Halul Island, with its own set of rules, conditions, and prizes. The festival also allowed for the inclusion of four members from GCC countries and residents of Qatar in each team, along with two children aged 10-14 who are approximately first-class companions in the same dhow.
The Senyar Festival aims to promote and preserve the traditional seafaring heritage of Qatar and the Gulf region, as well as providing a platform for friendly competition and camaraderie among sailors. The event showcases the skills and artistry of dhow captains and sailors through various competitions and challenges, fostering a sense of pride and community among participants. The festival also serves as an opportunity for younger generations to learn about and engage with their maritime heritage, instilling a passion for the sea and fishing traditions.
The festival’s inclusion of participants from GCC countries and local residents reflects a spirit of unity and collaboration, bringing together individuals with a shared love for traditional sailing practices. By allowing children to accompany the teams and experience firsthand the thrill of the competition, the festival aims to pass down important sea-faring skills and knowledge to future generations. Through events like the Senyar Festival, Qatar continues to uphold its rich maritime history and cultural traditions, ensuring that they are celebrated and preserved for years to come.
In conclusion, the Senyar Festival 2024 is a testament to the enduring legacy of Qatar’s maritime heritage and the vibrant spirit of its seafaring community. By providing a platform for traditional dhow competitions and celebrations, the festival showcases the skills and dedication of sailors while fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among participants. With its focus on preserving cultural traditions and passing down valuable sea-faring knowledge to future generations, the Senyar Festival plays a vital role in keeping Qatar’s maritime heritage alive and thriving.
