Flag-raising ceremony on Jan 29 launches state-wide celebrations

KUWAIT: Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Faisal Al-Humoud Al-Malik Al-Sabah speaks to Kuwait Times. — Photo by Joseph Shagra

KUWAIT: The national holidays have a great position in the hearts of Kuwaitis. The decorations that adorn the country at this time of the year, the raising of flags on houses and competition between the government and private institutions in decorating buildings is a renewal of the covenant of allegiance and belonging to this country.

Kuwait Times met Farwaniya Governor Sheikh Faisal Al-Humoud Al-Malik Al-Sabah to discuss the program prepared by Farwaniya governorate this year. After a flag-raising ceremony at Bayan Palace by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and the political leadership on January 29, the six provinces will begin celebrations of the 57th National Day of Kuwait and the 27th anniversary of the liberation.

"In Farwaniya governorate, there will be a festive program on January 29 which includes a show by honor guards, flag-raising, national poetry, folk dance (ardha) and a presentation by some school students. Another event will take place on Feb 8 at The Avenues, which will include participation by Kuwaiti singers and folkloric dancers, as well as a ceremony in the Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Feb 14. In addition, there will be a celebration at Kuwait International Airport for travelers and guests. We all express, both in Farwaniya governorate in particular and Kuwait in general our love for our homeland and sincerely interpret it," Sheikh Faisal said.

Stories of patriotism

Sheikh Faisal has been really attentive and keen about the national celebrations even before he became the governor of Farwaniya. "I worked in 2001 for the 10th anniversary celebrations of Liberation Day. At that time, our enemy was at the pinnacle. But we delivered through the national ceremonies our message transparently and affectionately to the world, and it was met with applause, empathy and respect. Kuwaitis are distinguished in their love for their nation and leadership. They have penned through history some of the greatest stories of patriotism," Sheikh Faisal said. "You can see parents doing their best and giving what they can when they are celebrating the wedding ceremonies of their children, let alone the ceremony of Kuwait. I cannot imagine there is anything more important than that," he concluded.

Farwaniya governorate has a number of populated residential, industrial and commercial areas, including the zoo, Kuwait International Airport, The Avenues and Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. Sheikh Faisal is the sixth governor of Farwaniya governorate.

By Athoob Al-Shuaibi