Young revelers throng the streets on the eve of the New Year last night.
KUWAIT: Since 2008, January 1 has been an officially declared non-working holiday in Kuwait but this year, Kuwaitis and expatriates hardly seemed excited and spent the day like any other.
No fireworks marked the day, no crackers boomed, and no one organized huge parties to usher in this New Year. Some, however, did usher in the New Year with beautiful celebrations at home with their families and loved ones. A few low-key parties were organized at the restaurants, entertainment clubs and hotels. However, those who have come to Kuwait recently were critical about celebrations being so lowkey. ?I don?t know why they cannot organize the same fireworks display that they exhibited last November. It was very nice, and had they organized a similar show for New Year, it would have been surely beautiful as we would have felt the spirit of the New Year,? commented an expat. ?Other countries organize huge gatherings and parties in the street.
Of course, we cannot do that here but a fireworks display could have uplifted people?s spirits. Honestly, I hardly feel that another year has begun. There was no countdown to cheer it in. I feel as if 2013 came in just like that,? another expat observed. Parties or celebrations are actually not prohibited in Kuwait as long as they follow the rules and guidelines set by the Ministry of Interior. No dancing or alcohol is allowed.
However, such elements were noticed in some parties organized at private places or in the comfort of people?s homes. Organizers can also apply for a permit to party but many local community organizers avoid such gatherings since they attract checks or raids by the authorities. The entertainment facilities throughout Kuwait offered discounts to New Year revelers, especially those run by Touristic Enterprises.
The Scientific Center, along Gulf Street was also open and thronged by many expatriate?s children. The Kuwait Zoo was bustling with many children in the afternoon. Many families also spent time together by the seaside, with barbeques and a host of other activities, such as football and volleyball. From early morning yesterday, the Gulf Road from Salwa to Kuwait City saw many a holiday reveler as the weather seemed conducive to the spirit of the day.
Mustafa and his family were seen enjoying the day with some friends at the Gulf Road yesterday. ?A single-day holiday is definitely not enough, but I really make sure that even if it was just one day, my family should enjoy an outing. So we have barbeques and games here,? Mustafa said. ?Alhamdullahah, the weather is not very chilly and it is not very windy either, so we can really enjoy,? he added. As expected, Kuwait City was thronged by expatriates on the New Year eve and many were utilizing the day to meet their friends and relatives. Among this crowd was Laila from the Philippines who telephoned her parents back home. ?I can only call when I am in Kuwait City as I do not have a cell phone. We are not allowed to keep one by our sponsor. So I availed of this opportunity to call my parents. I was able to talk to them and my New Year is complete now,? she said. Clearly, everyone found his or her own way to usher in the New Year
By Ben Garcia, Kuwait Times Staff
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