To mark the Omani celebration of ‘Qaranqasho’, Nadeen Al-Towaiya, Co-Founder of Omani Archive joins Pink Jinn to share the story of Qaranqasho and its significance in Oman.
Every year on the fourteenth night of Ramadan, neighbourhoods (harat) across Oman light up with excitement as kids flood the streets, singing the traditional Qaranqasho chant and going door-to-door collecting treats. It’s our version of trick-or-treating, a night of pure childhood joy filled with fresh popcorn in little plastic baggies, metallic-wrapped candies, chocolate coins, and colourful satchels overflowing with sweets.
I experienced a chunk of my childhood up in Seeb, in Sur al-Hadid – a beachside neighborhood just west of Muscat, and a place where most of the local families have been there for generations. I got to experience authentic Qaranqasho thanks to them. The kind that’s filled with tradition, community, and the kind of chaotic joy you can only find in childhood. The streets were alive with laughter, and almost every kid, no matter how shy, would sing at the top of their lungs, hoping to fill their little glittery satchels (or, for the more ambitious, full-sized trash bags) with candy. The smell of fresh popcorn in tiny plastic bags still lingers in my memory, along with the excitement of unwrapping metallic candies and collecting chocolate coins. This is exactly what I want to bring back.
That’s why, at Omani Archive, we’re hosting our own celebration of Qaranqasho this year. We want this to be more than just an event. We want it to be an authentic, nostalgic Qaranqasho experience, but even bigger – even better.
Reexperiencing Qaranqasho as an Adult
As we grow older, moments like these slip into nostalgia, becoming memories we wish we could relive. But what if we didn’t have to leave Qaranqasho in childhood? That’s exactly what we’re trying to do with Omani Archive – to bring back the joy of these cultural moments and give young adults, university students, and even those from different cultures a chance to experience Qaranqasho in a new way.
This year, we’re reviving Qaranqasho with a twist – one that blends childhood nostalgia with modern Oman. Imagine stepping into a space that captures the essence of the holiday: traditional decorations, classic Qaranqasho songs playing in the background, and interactive experiences that let you relive that sense of excitement. Whether you grew up celebrating it or are experiencing it for the first time, this is your chance to feel the magic.
The Evolution of a Tradition
While Qaranqasho is deeply rooted in Omani culture, similar traditions exist across the Gulf. In Bahrain, it’s called Girgian, while in Kuwait and the UAE, it’s known as Gergaoon or Haq al-Laila. Each country has its own unique take, but the heart of it remains the same: a celebration of community, generosity, and childhood joy.
Through Omani Archive, we’re not just preserving traditions, we are making them accessible and keeping them alive. We want Qaranqasho to be more than just a childhood memory. We want it to be an experience that continues to bring people together, no matter their age.
This year, we invite you to step into the magic of Qaranqasho with us. Grab your finest Mukhawar or Dishdasha (traditional wear) and your favorite sneakers and join us in experiencing Qaranqasho again!
Omani Archive are hosting a celebration of Qaranqasho and all its beautiful traditions at the Locals Park in Muscat on Thursday 13th March – with their quintessential Gen Z twist! Join them to discover the magic of Qaranqasho, play traditional games, discover local businesses and immerse yourself in Omani culture. Click here to get tickets if you’re in Oman!
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