You thought you loved your country.
December 2nd is National Day in the UAE. It marks the day in 1971 when the 6 emirates were free from foreign control and decided to unite together, under Sheik Zayed. (The 7th emirate joined about a year later). And it’s kind of a big deal. [Shauna… think “IR”].
This is how it works: About 3 weeks before the actual holiday, schools rearrange their schedules to begin to prepare. For example: My school shortened class periods to 35 minutes and combined the final 2 periods of the day into a mega long rehearsal timeslot. This is so the students can learn the songs and dances they will be performing at the school’s celebration. In addition to shortening periods, large chunks of the day are spent making flags, having a parade, and being filmed by tv and newspaper crews.
Finally, on the last day of school before break, the 25th, [10 days for Eid + National Day combined] the school hosted the official celebration. The students performed their skits/dances, families attended, and we ate traditional Arab food. This wasn’t your typical holiday assembly… it was nearly an all day event. Keep in mind, the kids are just running wild between the scheduled performances. And I’m actually not complaining.
Molly, Frances, and I walked down to the celebrations last night. From an outsider’s perspective, this is how it works:
First, decorate your car to the max in UAE regalia. If you can get actual photos of the sheiks, that’s best. If not, tons of stickers and feathers will work too.
Next, drive down to the Corniche (waterfront) where the Emirates Palace is blasting off the world’s largest fireworks display. The road will essentially be jammed packed with other Emirati’s showing off their own car’s decorations.
It’s also important that if you have children, they should be sitting on top of your car, or at the very least hanging out the sunroof or window.
Don’t forget to bring your snow spray or silly string. Exotic pets optional.
The rest of the town, (read: Expats), will be standing along the road serving as the audience, and sometimes participants, in the spectacle.
These people love their country. It’s kinda nice.
xo, jill
Okay, I’m not sure how I missed the whole “I’m moving to the middle east” but I did. I will now go back and read every single one of your entries!
Haha, yep. Tomorrow is 3 months here!
What is the creature the boy is holding and does it purr?
So who were the foreigners that had previously controlled the area? Do the people really love their sheik and could they say so if they didn’t? Any idea how the country chose it’s colors. And..are those car decorations painted on? Or are they decals? The kids at your school look fabulous in their bright clothes. Did you dress in any special way that day for school? So many questions…it’s all so interesting.