Ramadan at Souq Waqif: Perfect Qatari Traditions 2025

Every year, as the holy month of Ramadan arrives, Souq Waqif in Doha transforms into a lively blend of culture, tradition, and community spirit. The market, already celebrated for its rich heritage and energetic atmosphere, welcomes the holy month with a variety of events and activities that engage both locals and visitors alike.

A Festive Transformation

During Ramadan, Souq Waqif comes alive with festive lights, decorative installations, and an atmosphere that aligns with spiritual passion. As crowds fill the ancient lanes of the market, the air is filled with the odor of traditional delicacies and the sounds of cultural performances.

Garangao Festival in Souq Waqif 2025

Garangao is a warm and joyful tradition celebrated in Qatar during the holy month of Ramadan. On the 14th evening after the sunset prayer, the historic market transforms into a festive gathering place where children and families come together in a celebration that feels both playful and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. It was celebrated on 14th March 2025.

What happens in the Garangao Festival?

In the Garangao festival at the historic market, you can see children dressed in traditional costumes complete with turbans and small bags. They sing the familiar “Garangao, Garangao” song as they knock on every door to gather sweets, nuts, and other treats from generous neighbors and local shopkeepers. They move around the streets. This age-old ritual is not just about the fun of receiving sweets, it is a celebration of community spirit, sharing, and the simple joys of childhood.

Local vendors prepare early for the festival, decorating their shops and special packaging for treats, ensuring that every interaction feels like a small act of kindness. Volunteers also join in the spirit of giving by assembling gift packages, adding an extra touch of warmth and love to the evening.

Special about the Garangao Festival?

What makes Garangao so special is its power to bring people together. Families enjoy the lively atmosphere, where modern life mingles seamlessly with traditions passed down through generations. In this captivating setting, the festival not only marks a delightful pause in the fast of Ramadan but also reinforces the strong cultural bonds that make the community so strong and welcoming.

Overall, Garangao is more than just a festive event. It is a heartfelt reminder of the values of generosity, heritage, and togetherness that are the base of Ramadan.

Find the best festive deals for your Eid Shopping.

Ramadan Canon

Every evening at Iftar, a longstanding Ramadan tradition unfolds at Souq Waqif’s Eastern Square, it’s the firing of the Ramadan Cannon. This historic spectacle marks the official time for breaking the fast, drawing in hundreds of visitors who come to witness and partake in the celebration. Here’s a closer look at this unique cultural ritual

Historic Ramadan Tradition:

The cannon firing is a practice steeped in history, symbolizing the communal moment when the fast is broken, a celebrated ritual passed down through generations.

Location:

Eastern Square, Souq Waqif, Doha

Time:

Every day at Iftar, creating an obvious yet eagerly awaited highlight of the evening.

Cultural Significance:

It is more than just a signal for breaking the fast. It is a uniting moment that brings together both locals and visitors, reflecting the spirit of Ramadan. The event embodies the blend of tradition and community, offering a sensory experience that includes the sound of the cannon and the vibrant atmosphere of the market.

Visitor Experience:

As soon as the cannon fires, a wave of excitement sweeps through the crowd. Families gather to enjoy the moment together, making it a perfect time to share iftar meals and appreciate the festive surroundings. The rhythmic firing serves as both a call to prayer and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage embedded in daily life during Ramadan.

You can also give a visit to Pearl Ramadan Bazaar to enjoy Qatari culture.

Nuts and Dried Fruit Exhibition:

The first Nuts & Dried Fruits Exhibition is set to combine a range of vendors showcasing both local and international delights. Here, visitors can discover a collection of high-quality dates, almonds, pistachios, and other seasonal favorites that make Ramadan extra special. This event is a paradise for food lovers.

Event Details:

When: March 1 – 10, 2025
Timings: 7:30 pm to 12:00 am
Where: Eastern Square, Souq Waqif

Art Exhibition and Sado Weaving:

An ongoing exhibition at the Souq Waqif Art Center is captivating audiences by blending Sado weaving with Arabic calligraphy in beautifully crafted paintings. This unique display marries time-honored techniques with modern artistic flair, giving visitors a peek into Qatar’s vibrant cultural legacy.

Beyond this artistic journey, Souq Waqif is alive with the spirit of Ramadan. Whether you’re watching traditional rituals unfold, exploring diverse exhibitions, or savoring a delicious Iftar meal, the souq offers a truly immersive experience that captures the heart of Ramadan in Doha.

Interactive Installations and Family Activities

Visitors can explore interactive art installations and engage in family-friendly activities that celebrate the spirit of togetherness. Community workshops, storytelling sessions, and traditional crafts activities are common. This makes the market a hub of cultural exchange and creative expression.

Iftar Feasts and Culinary Delights

A centerpiece of Ramadan is the Iftar experience. Several establishments in and around the souq offer specially designed Iftar menus that blend traditional Qatari flavors with contemporary culinary artistry. Tivoli Hotels, for instance, presents an exclusive Iftar Feast at Al Terrace. Guests enjoy an array of lavish dishes served in a beautifully decorated setting that forgets the hectic market, merging cuisine with heritage in a truly remarkable way

Enjoy iftar and suhoor at the most beautiful places in Qatar.

Events Calendar and Timely Activations in Doha

Souq Waqif hosts a variety of activities and cultural events throughout Ramadan. From evening bazaars featuring craftsmen crafts and local produce to special exhibitions that dive into the history of the region. This systematic approach to event planning helps visitors navigate the diverse experiences on offer while celebrating the essence of Ramadan.

Spiritual Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan in Souq Waqif is not just about festive events and culinary treats. It is a celebration of community and spirituality. The market becomes a center point where people from different backgrounds gather to share in the experience of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Traditional storytelling, communal prayers, and spontaneous acts of generosity highlight the month’s spiritual dimensions.

Conclusion

Ramadan transforms Souq Waqif into an extraordinary cultural destination where history, tradition, and modern celebrations link together. Whether it’s the live cultural performances, the immersive family activities, or the tasty Iftar feasts, every event is designed to honor the spirit of Ramadan. This festive season at the souq not only preserves Qatar’s cultural heritage but also opens up a window for visitors to experience the warmth and hospitality that define this ancient market.

For those looking to get themselves deep in a unique cultural celebration this Ramadan, Souq offers an experience that is as satisfying as it is unforgettable.

FAQs

The Ramadan Cannon is a historic tradition that signals Iftar, the official time to break the fast. It is fired daily at Eastern Square in Souq Waqif, drawing hundreds of visitors to witness the exciting moment.

It is located at Eastern Square within the Souq Waqif in Doha.

The exhibition is open every evening from 7:30 pm until midnight.

This event brings together vendors offering a wide range of both locally sourced and international products. You can explore premium dates, almonds, pistachios, and various other dried fruits that are perfect for Ramadan.

Garangao is a Ramadan tradition, particularly for children. On the 14th evening of Ramadan, kids dressed in traditional attire go door-to-door singing, and collecting sweets and nuts—a joyful event that adds to the festive atmosphere.