KUWAIT: As a departure from previous years' traditions, organizers have conceptualized a different take on this year's activity-filled 11th Hala February festival. It is slated to begin on Jan 29. The opening ceremony will be held from 1pm to 7pm at Souq Sharq. This year, a part of the festival's activities will be held in collaboration with AlWatan TV, and has been titled 'Layali Febrayer.' For the first time, the opening ceremony will take place at Souq Sharq instead of Salem Al-Mubarak Street in Salmiya.

In a press conference that was held at the Kuwait Regency Palace on Sunday, the General Coordinator of the Festival, Waleed Al-Jasim divulged more details, "We have chosen this date (Jan 29) as it coincides with the anniversary of HH the Amir's ascension to power. The festival will conclude on the last day of February. More prizes will be given out this year. At least 28 cars will be given away as prizes, in addition to other valuables gifts that will distributed in daily draws that will be held at different malls in all the governorates," he said.

A state-of-the art children's village will be constructed on an area that covers 4,000 square meters. "It will be built at the open space located opposite to Souq Sharq. The opening carnival will include many activities for children and the whole family. We invite people to come and enjoy it. Visitors will be able to enjoy several activities including art exhibitions and others," added Al-Jasim.

Madina Ismail, Head of the Activities Committee elaborated on the project for children. "The festival will have something from every member of the family. For the first time, we will present a play on the fairy tale Snow White for children. We plan to build a jungle-themed park with animal figures.

In addition to this, the February Circus meant for the whole family will held at the Roman Theatre in Souq Sharq. Separate workshops and exhibitions will be held for children including other programs that cater to the disabled," she said.
She went on to say, "A family marathon, shooting championship for both men and women, beach volleyball, and an equestrian event will be held at the Hunting and Equestrian Club. A kite-flying festival will be held as part of the event," she further said.

Al-Ismail concluded by saying that a yacht race will be a new attraction. The yachts will be flagged off from the Yachts Club and will carry portraits of Kuwaiti rulers. The Hala February Festival has been designed with the aim of improving the economy and local markets. "The main goal of the festival is to promote marketing and boost the economy.

We have increased the value of the prizes this year. We have also expanded in terms of magnitude. More coupons will be issued to participating stores. They (stores) agree that their sales increase manifold during February. This is a 'festive' season when compared to other months of the year," noted Hamad Al-Daas, Head of the Shopping Committee.

The Hala February's music concerts are extremely popular, and six concerts will held at the Ice Skating Rink's theater. Singers from Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, UAE, and Saudi Arabia will share center stage. Algerian singer Warda will make her debut performance in the country. Poetry recitals and religious discourses will be held in the form of seminars and recitations. Entry to these events will be free of charge. - Kuwait Times