All photos by Chantelle D’mello

Qatar’s first Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Festival opened in a splash of colors, costumes and musical performances last night at the Katara Cultural Village.

Thousands of residents gathered at the Esplanade to check out dance and music troupes from Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines, shop for handicrafts and enjoy food from different countries.

But before the celebrations commenced, attendees honored a moment of silence for the thousands of victims of last week’s deadly earthquake in Nepal.

What’s ahead

Over the weekend, more performers from different Southeast Asian countries will dance to live musical entertainment.

Traditional folkloric Asian dances performed at ASEAN Festival 2015 in #Katara. pic.twitter.com/Lg3YaVomYJ

— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) April 30, 2015

Between dances, artists also appear to crooning traditional tunes and renditions of popular Arab songs.

There are also several stalls set up selling handicrafts, jewelry and batik clothing in a central courtyard. Those who wish to sample food from the various nations represented at the festival can buy fried and steamed dishes from the food booths at the event.

Asian food corner at ASEAN Festival 2015 in #Katara. pic.twitter.com/BXcDlSJmuO

— كتارا | Katara (@kataraqatar) April 30, 2015

Though there was plenty of parking last night, congestion around Katara made access to the festival difficult at times.

The event runs from 6 to 10pm daily through Saturday, May 2.

Do you plan to check it out? Thoughts?