Garangao - The Festival of Children

We have learned a lot about the Middle East and different cultures while we are living here. 

One of those things is Garangao- a Gulf tradition held on the 14th day of Ramadan when children visit their neighbors seeking sweets and treats. 

The children go around wearing traditional clothing and sing a folk song and will knock on the doors to collect sweets, money, nuts and gifts. The children will have a cloth bag that they wear around their neck. 

We went to Hyatt Plaza on this night and got to see the celebration for ourselves. It reminded me of Trick or Treating and being at the malls for Halloween. 

We saw a parade of children singing as they banged drums and had a lot of fun. They would go to the different merchants and stops to get sweets in their bags. 

Another tradition that happens are the stores will have treats for those shopping there and part of the day is to give gifts to others. Well while we were at Q-Tel (local internet and phone service) Xavier was given a gift. It was a special day and neat to see the traditions in other places. 

 Here is the gift we received on the 17th of August 2011