As of February 15th, It's officially "Hala February" here in Kuwait. Exactly what that means and exactly what it is they're celebrating I have no idea. Even after living here for more than a year I don't have that great profundity about the things they celebrate - but if anyone knows Kuwaitis, they know they'll think of any reason to party (and party lamely I might add).
For the most part I think it's just a month long bruhaha in which they celebrate their National Liberation Day – February 26th. (Side Note: They celebrate their liberation but not a whole lot is said about the US being the ones that liberated them from the Iraqi invasion – In fact I don't think Kuwaitis did a damn thing during that conflict.. I hear a lot of them fled the country). Additionally they also look to this month as a major tourist draw – "Hala", afterall, meaning "Welcome" in Arabic.
It's also a time of celebrating the up and coming, short-lived spring season (which here in Kuwait lasts from late February to early May – after which the oppressive summer heat starts to set in). Spring time really is the best time here. The flowers are perky and all the trees and grass look lush and green.. It really does become a kind of desert oasis and for brief moments in time you almost forget you're in Kuwait at all.. Even the air seems a little fresher with strong winds coming off the gulf (although, I don't think there's wind enough to clear out that sess pool of a mess they call "downtown").
And during this celebration they hold a lot of little festivals and really try to make it a family affair.. I think the Kuwaitis and most other Arabs for that matter really do love their kids – they just have a much different way of raising them. But all in all, kids are adored here. So there are lots of parades, raffles and entertainment shows..
But I think what most expats think about when Hala February rolls around are the SALES!! Pretty much EVERY store has a sale going on at this time and it's the perfect opportunity to get that new little luxury you've been eyeing all winter.. In fact, I think Hala February's second connotation is "The Shopping Festival".
And with so many designer stores that they got around here, now is relatively the only time a lot of us splurge and go for the good stuff.. I think last year my friend Julie swiped over 200KD worth of BCBG loot for around 36KD – and that was only like 45 minutes worth of shopping..
One other cool thing about this time is that Kuwaiti's throw strings of lights over anything that stands, and who doesn't like stringed lights? Their Liberation Tower, Kuwait Towers and water towers look especially cool @ night time, apart from being pretty decent spectacles during the day..
So I'm looking forward to taking the kids to one of the parades, just to say we've done it and Mama has been eyeing a surround sound system @ Alghanim for more than a few months so I'm eager to see what they have going on.. I leave you with some pretty cool/humorous pics
These are some of the water towers they have here and they all look this way.. I think it's rather ironic that they're shaped like giant martini glasses and yet alcohol is banned in this country..
Here's a good one of the Liberation Tower @ night.. There's supposed to be a restaurant up in there somewhere, I'll have to ask around
These are of course the "famed" Kuwaiti Towers.. There are 3 restaurants in the big ball, one of which I've been to (decent philly cheese steaks) - and it revolves for a panoramic view which I think is cool.. This is like their version of Lady liberty.. /stifles laughter
I know he's probably just announcing something but I keep imagining him saying, in a deep Arabic accent "I-like-big-abayas and I cannot lie.. You otha brothas cannot deny.."
Aww, bobble head Aladdin! Needless to say that movie was entirely inaccurate at painting a portrayal of Saudi royalty.. A princess choose HER husband? Pisha!
The parade they have on Hamad Mubarak St. I think.. I'll have to double check..
Don't ask cause I don't even know..
I'm just adding this for shits and giggles but this is the bank thats nearest to my house where I withdraw cash from.. (National Bank of Kuwait) - Slightly comical
