Happy National Day :-)

This week Kuwait celebrated National Day on 25th of Feb. National day marks independence from Britain back in 1961, it is the date that Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Al Sabah was crowned ruler of Kuwait, he is said to be their most loved Sheikh as he paved the way to independence and set up the constitution. National day is followed by liberation day- 26th of Feb, which marks liberation from the 7 months of traumatic Iraqi occupation, liberation was enforced by multiple nations,led by America on the 26th of Feb 1991.

There were celebrations going on throughout the city such as kite flying and there were attempts to break 4 world records;
1- Most People singing National Anthem of Kuwait Simultaneously. (70,000+)
2- Largest Human Flag, Flag of Kuwait (32,000)
3- Largest Human Picture, Picture of Amir Kuwait (6,000)
4- Largest Human Mosaic, Shuhada Al Kuwait (5,000)

Unfortunately the events were not particularly well advertised and I only found out about them after they had occurred :-(!

Despite all this the main form of celebration I found most bizarre, the locals cram into their cars- which are all decorated with flags and pictures of Kuwaiti Rulers and then basically sit in a traffic jam on the gulf road for hours on end?!!!! They also squirt water pistols and foam at other cars and people passing by-people used to squirt foam in the colours of the Kuwaiti flag but it was banned two years ago as it was causing damage and health problems :-0-many people wear the flag colours or masks etc, it is all good fun but I cannot imagine why anyone would WANT to sit in a traffic Jam! I guess people really do not like to walk here so in a way it shows local tradition/culture haha! Either way it does bring everyone together and as the 25th and 26th fell on a Monday & Tuesday this year so I was given the Sunday off and so had a total of 5 days holiday- PLEASING!