Today is a public holiday in conjuction of Kuwait's Liberation Day. As much as Independance Day is important to us Malaysian, it is exactly how Liberation Day to Kuwaitis. Schools and most government offices closed till Tuesday. Anyway, below are some info about Liberation Day borrowed from asiarooms dot com.

" The Liberation Day in Kuwait marks the end of the Iraqi occupation of the country which began from August 1990. The preparations for the liberation of Kuwait began from January 17. The first raid over Kuwait began at around 4 am and within hours full-scale attack began. The Kuwaiti resistance was no less in comparison to the Allied attack and they were constantly trying to weaken the Iraqis with their guerilla fights and giving information to the Allied forces. The invading Iraqi army was routed by the Operation Desert Storm within 42 days on February 26. Thus, from 1991 this day marked the beginning of a new life for the Kuwaitis. The flag of free Kuwait was raised in celebration, and people gathered in groups enjoying their long lost freedom."

Yesterday, I was blessed to witnessed how this historic day celebrated with huge rejoice, and am still awed by the spirits it shown. As a start, it's like necessity for every locals to wear something that representing their national flag colours. There's no single locals passed by me without having red-white-green-black accesorize their clothing that day. What amazed me was, how they wore it with such pride and joy, not to mentioned level of creativety displayed. Childrens can be seen wearing dress and coats, youth and teenagers were spotted around in their vest, bracelet, necklace, tops... all customized with the colours of their national flag. Adults also were pretty co-operative by wearing customized shawl, hats and whatnot. It is indeed quite a scenery. I didn't dare to snap photo inside the mall, to respect the locals custom. However, my husband managed to capture few snaps while we were outside.

While us Malaysian have our Dataran Merdeka and Merdeka Parade annually, people in Kuwaits have slightly different tradition in showing their patriotic spirit in them. In here, they had public gatherings and get-togethers held over Kuwait, on the road specifically. The flag of Kuwait is raised high over every high rise buildings and Kuwaitis come down to the streets, congratulate each other, wave flags and dance in the streets. When I said dance, I meant real dance, from inside their ride, on top of their ride while on the go. There's policeman and army everywhere standing by but they're really at sport by not interrupting and spoiling the mood. Heck even other road users doesn't seems to mind stratnded on the road that day since the ambience was just lively, joyful and pretty entertaining, at least it is to me.

All pictures were taken from our moving coaster, in the rain, so excuse the picture quality okaayy

:: We met an MPV filled with young Kuwaitiyah, in abaya, donned hijabs, dancing and singing to their heart content, waving their flags, shouting and cheering to car next to them. Certainly a scene you don't get to see everyday. At one time, I felt like singing along with them, it's indeed contagious ::

There's a miles and miles of traffic jam. By far the most interesting traffic jam I've caught into.

A must have on all offices buildings, commercial buildings and even houses. They really have so much love for their Emir and it showed. One value I couldn't say we have in common among us Malaysian and Kuwaiti.

It's not really that difficult to find out why -__- .. Ermmmmmm