This was my second time in Qatar where the state celebrated
its annual national day on every 18th day of December. Thousands of
locals and expatriates of different race usually flock along the corniche,
which is the heart of the event, to witness different series of programs
organized by the government of the world’s wealthiest country in the world – the
Qatar. The series of events were air show (parachuting, synchronize flying jets
with colored trails), civic parade participated by the students and personnel
of the ministries and non-government organizations, the military parade which showcases
the state’s latest and state-of-the-art military artilleries and armored
vehicles together with the battalions of Emiri guards and Armed Forces and traditional
grand fireworks display at night. However, I missed the previous year’s
celebration because I have no one to go along with. Whilst a multitude of
people were considerably enjoying the huge event, I just spent my entire day
inside my room getting updates online from others in social networking sites. But
this year, I have sworn to myself that no matter what happens, I would
definitely go outside and witness for myself how the world’s wealthiest
country, the Qatar celebrates its foundation day. Several days prior to the
national day celebration, I already told my fellow roommates and we agreed to
go out and watch the celebration. For the reason that this might be my last
year to see how Qatari people celebrate it, no one is more determined going out
than them but me.
The entire national day celebration was really an expression
of remarkably and admirably evidence of strong nationalism of the Qatari
people. Every houses, building and establishments, street lamp posts, popular landmarks,
and passing cars, is either carrying giant-size flags or flag lets. Even some cars
and people faces are also painted with white and maroon – the country’s flag
colors. You could see these colors here, there and anywhere. The roads too were
so busy and people of different races were passing by the main streets now and
then.
Let me give you some insights on the history of their National
Day. It is observed because of Sheikh Jassim Bin Mohammad Bin Thani, who
courageously led in unifying the oft-divided local tribes and gaining
sovereignty for them. In December 18, 1878, the State of Qatar was founded
which was established by the decree of the Emir in June 2007. However, the date
of national day was not really a full freedom since the state was still a
British colony until 1971. Nevertheless, 1878 was recognized because it
basically commemorates the unity and solidarity first exhibited by the Qatari
people led by the Al Thani family, amidst conflicts and hardships endured by
different tribes. Until now, the people of Qatar, show high respect, affection
and gratitude to the Al Thani family, the current leaders of Qatar, not just
during this kind of event but even in any ordinary days.
Here are some of my shots during our sight-seeing experience
during the holiday:
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| my co-nurses along Corniche |
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| parade of cars by Qatari nationals |
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| the traditional Dhow boat |
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| a local waving the white-maroon flag |
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| flock of spectators along the Corniche |
By the way, we were not able to catch up the events shown in
the morning, the worst consequence of getting up late in the morning. Air force
colored-jet trail shows, civic and military parades, navy speed boat
exhibitions and grand fireworks display at night (due to limited
transportation, we agreed to go home at past 6pm wherein the fireworks display
will start at 8pm) were just some of the action-packed holiday we missed!
