The US Embassy in Qatar recently celebrated the 247th anniversary of the Independence Day of the United States of America by bringing the beautiful streets of New Orleans, Louisiana to Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
US Ambassador to Qatar, HE Timmy T Davis, who calls New Orleans home, welcomed guests of honour Minister of Finance HE Ali Bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Minister of Commerce and Industry HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Qassim Al Abdullah Al Thani, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Director of Protocol Saeed Al Hajri, to the sounds of jazz and brass music.
In a space decked in Mardi Gras colours – purple, green and gold – the US Ambassador to Qatar delivered a speech that highlighted the importance of celebrating the rich diversity of the US. The ambassador also spoke about the strong bilateral relations between the US and Qatar, and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and authentic hospitality he has experienced since arriving.
Ambassador Davis said he is impressed by the genuine kindness from the people of Qatar and others who call Qatar home.
Building authentic relationships is a genuine element of Qatari culture. In the spirit of building our bonds of friendship, today I have a special opportunity to share with you all a snapshot of where I come from, my roots, my home, the city of New Orleans.
According to him, New Orleans has seen its share of struggle and even experienced Qatari generosity in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is a place where music, food and culture thrive. The diversity in New Orleans comes from the rich history of its people. Nicknamed the birthplace of jazz, it is a place where music is just as vibrant as the food.
US Independence Day celebration
This year’s US Independence Day celebration theme is a New Orleans tradition that grew from a French religious festival into a multi-cultural American celebration. For Qatar’s first Mardi Gras, three musical guests performed American music throughout the night, including the Doha-based AFCENT Band of the US Air Force Central Command, and two bands visiting from the US: New Orleans go-go funk and brass band Brass-A-Holics, and the bluegrass act from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Barbaro.
Guests were also tossed beaded necklaces from a huge parade float, another Mardi Gras tradition, while enjoying beignets and other famous dishes from New Orleans.
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