Majority of voters say okay to spray foam, water on vehicles
week’s online poll conducted by the Arab Times discussed the ways in which people celebrate National Day and Liberation Day in Kuwait. A great majority of voters understandably voted for spraying of foam and water on passing vehicles. Twenty-nine percent felt so.
Talking to the Arab Times, respondents said that foam was more irritating, but following the ban on it, boys have turned to water guns, “which is okay.” Some respondents said they had bad experiences this year, when the revelers got too intrusive, opening the doors of cars to squirt water straight on the faces of people.
It was a little unnerving to see boys running on the roads with their water guns trying to open the doors of cars stuck in traffic, said an interviewee. People who forgot to centrally lock their cars were treated to a generous shower.
An expatriate from Jleeb Al Shuyouk said that a child suffered injuries to his hand when he attempted to pull the door shut when revelers opened it and splashed water on him. Many people were of the opinion that celebrations were peaceful and enjoyable for the most part, but for a few instances when celebrations verged on vandalism.
However, a greater majority of voters, 35 percent, opted to relax at home and enjoy the vacation. This group mostly consisted of expatriates, as Arab Times came to know from the views of respondents. They preferred to sit at home because the roads were choked with vehicles and revelers. “The lights and the fireworks are great to watch, but it takes hours to move even a few kilometers, which can be frustrating.”
Fifteen percent of the voters said they enjoyed witnessing the parades and flag hoisting ceremonies on the National and Liberation Days. “This gives us a sense of pride. Moreover, we are also reminded of the days of invasion and the horrible crimes the Iraqi army perpetrated in Kuwait.
“It’s good to remember those days, because it makes us appreciate our present prosperity and happiness better. The first generation born after liberation has entered into adulthood, and if we don’t commemorate the victory of freedom over occupation, then the sacrifices of our heroes will be lost on them.”
Ten percent of voters said that they would travel abroad to enjoy the holidays. This view is borne out by the crowds at the airport at the start of the holidays. Kuwaitis who prefer to travel out felt that you don’t have to stay home to show your patriotism. For them patriotism is about working hard and being productive for your country during the working days. “How you wish to spend your holidays is up to each individual’s taste.”
During the celebrations, many organizations try to achieve new world records to send out a message to the world. About 8 percent of the voters felt the highlight of the celebrations is creating new Guinness Records. “Usually it’s attempts to make the biggest flag in the world.”
Ahmadi lighting was another big draw, and one that never ceases to amaze people year after year.