
Eid al-Adha Festivities Fill Kuwait's Mubarakiya with Laughter and Community
KUWAIT CITY, June 7: There's something magical about Mubarakiya Market during Eid al-Adha. This year, the air was thick with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling street food, but it was the laughter and smiles that truly set the scene. Families, friends, and visitors from all walks of life poured into one of Kuwait's most beloved marketplaces, eager to soak up the festive spirit.
The market was a living, breathing tapestry of color and culture. Cafes overflowed with people sharing stories over steaming cups of gahwa, while vendors called out cheerfully, their stalls piled high with sweets and savory treats. The alleyways echoed with the delighted squeals of children, balloons bobbing above their heads as they darted between stalls, faces painted with pure joy.
At the heart of the celebration was Bin Bahr Square, transformed for the day into a playground of wonder. The laughter of children on spinning rides blended with the rhythmic beat of traditional drums. Folklore bands took to the stage, their music weaving through the crowd and inviting everyone, young and old, to clap along or even join in a dance. It was a living tribute to Kuwait's rich heritage, and the pride was palpable.
The sense of togetherness was impossible to miss. Salma, a mother of three, watched her children's faces light up on the carousel and shared, 'It feels like the heart of Kuwait is beating louder today. There's so much happiness here, it's beautiful to see everyone come together.'
Behind the scenes, the careful planning was evident in every detail. Walkways were spotless, security was present but friendly, and the whole event felt welcoming and safe. Shoppers browsed through a treasure trove of handmade crafts, stylish Eid clothes, and tempting foods—there was truly something for every taste and every age.
Vendors, too, felt the joy. Ahmed, who has run his stall at Mubarakiya for years, beamed as he watched families gather. 'It's not just about selling things,' he said. 'It's about seeing people make memories, laughing, reconnecting, really living in the moment.'
As the sun dipped below the city skyline and the market's lights flickered on, the celebration showed no signs of slowing. The spirit of Eid—joy, generosity, and community—seemed to glow even brighter as the evening wore on. In a world that's always changing, Mubarakiya Market reminded everyone that the best traditions are the ones we share, heart to heart.

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Arab Times
07-06-2025
- Arab Times
Eid al-Adha Festivities Fill Kuwait's Mubarakiya with Laughter and Community
KUWAIT CITY, June 7: There's something magical about Mubarakiya Market during Eid al-Adha. This year, the air was thick with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling street food, but it was the laughter and smiles that truly set the scene. Families, friends, and visitors from all walks of life poured into one of Kuwait's most beloved marketplaces, eager to soak up the festive spirit. The market was a living, breathing tapestry of color and culture. Cafes overflowed with people sharing stories over steaming cups of gahwa, while vendors called out cheerfully, their stalls piled high with sweets and savory treats. The alleyways echoed with the delighted squeals of children, balloons bobbing above their heads as they darted between stalls, faces painted with pure joy. At the heart of the celebration was Bin Bahr Square, transformed for the day into a playground of wonder. The laughter of children on spinning rides blended with the rhythmic beat of traditional drums. Folklore bands took to the stage, their music weaving through the crowd and inviting everyone, young and old, to clap along or even join in a dance. It was a living tribute to Kuwait's rich heritage, and the pride was palpable. The sense of togetherness was impossible to miss. Salma, a mother of three, watched her children's faces light up on the carousel and shared, 'It feels like the heart of Kuwait is beating louder today. There's so much happiness here, it's beautiful to see everyone come together.' Behind the scenes, the careful planning was evident in every detail. Walkways were spotless, security was present but friendly, and the whole event felt welcoming and safe. Shoppers browsed through a treasure trove of handmade crafts, stylish Eid clothes, and tempting foods—there was truly something for every taste and every age. Vendors, too, felt the joy. Ahmed, who has run his stall at Mubarakiya for years, beamed as he watched families gather. 'It's not just about selling things,' he said. 'It's about seeing people make memories, laughing, reconnecting, really living in the moment.' As the sun dipped below the city skyline and the market's lights flickered on, the celebration showed no signs of slowing. The spirit of Eid—joy, generosity, and community—seemed to glow even brighter as the evening wore on. In a world that's always changing, Mubarakiya Market reminded everyone that the best traditions are the ones we share, heart to heart.

Kuwait Times
11-05-2025
- Kuwait Times
‘Jumbo': the animated Indonesian film smashing records
An Indonesian animated movie is smashing regional box-office records and could be set for wider success as it prepares to open beyond the Southeast Asian archipelago's silver screens. 'Jumbo' -- a film based on the adventures of main character Don, a large orphaned Indonesian boy facing bullying at school -- last month became the highest-grossing Southeast Asian animated film, raking in more than $8 million. Released at the end of March to coincide with the Eid holidays after the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, the movie has hit eight million ticket sales, the third highest in Indonesian cinema history, according to Film Indonesia. The film explores 'what we've lost in life and the strength we need to overcome it', director Ryan Adriandhy Halim told AFP. 'We hope to encourage a change, it is for people to treat (each other) more kindly and we want 'Jumbo' to be a reminder that everyone deserves respect, no matter what is your background, whatever age group you are.' In the film, Don has a storybook filled with magical tales -- including a meeting with a fairy who wants him to help her reconnect with her family. Ryan Adriandhy Halim (LEFT), director of the animated film Jumbo, speaking with a computer illustrator in Jakarta. Ryan Adriandhy Halim (LEFT), director of the animated film Jumbo, and illustrator Nadeen Muskita (RIGHT) posing during an interview in Jakarta. -- AFP photos Anggia Kharisma, producer of the animated film Jumbo, reacting during an interview in Jakarta. Ryan Adriandhy Halim, director of the animated film Jumbo, speaking during an interview in Jakarta. 'This film is for us, for our children, and for the child within us,' Ryan said. For weeks after its release, 'Jumbo' kept theatres packed across Indonesia. The movie -- which began production five years ago and called on the help of 400 local creators -- surpassed the regional record set by Malaysia's 'Mechamato Movie' in 2022. Its success has caught many in the Indonesian film industry by surprise. 'I predicted the film would be popular -- but not this much,' said Petrus Kristianto Prayitno Santoso, film programming supervisor for operator Flix Cinema. 'Stepping stone' However, the film's wider appeal will be tested when it opens in more than 17 countries in June, including Malaysia, Singapore, Turkey and Mongolia, said Anggia Kharisma, chief content officer at Visinema Studios, the film's production house. The company says other release dates are still in discussion, meaning it could be set for a global rollout. In an industry flooded with Hollywood blockbusters and local horror movies, 'Jumbo' has stood out. 'It's been a long time since we've had an Indonesian family film,' said Adi, 38, who watched the movie with his wife Ria and their two young children. But he added that 'in Southeast Asia, it will work because the culture is similar, but I'm not sure about regions beyond that'. The film has given hope to Indonesian audiences that their local productions could see more global success. Cinemagoer Dika, 27, said she believes 'the film could rival Disney productions'. Ryan himself has more modest ambitions, hoping simply that his debut feature will become 'a stepping stone and a benchmark for Indonesian animation' in the future. - AFP


Arab Times
02-04-2025
- Arab Times
Indonesian cuisine highlight of get-together hosted by envoy
KUWAIT CITY, April 2: Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Lena Maryana organized a grand Eid Al- Fitr celebration in Indonesian style at the Sheikh Ahmad Al-Dawood Chalet in Doha. Present at the event were a large number of heads of diplomatic missions and their families, members of the Indonesian community in the country and some Kuwaiti citizens with their families; adding a distinctive cultural touch to the ambiance. In her speech, Maryana expressed her happiness over organizing the event; indicating that such a gathering gives diplomats relief from the pressure of daily work, especially during Ramadan, and to familiarize them with the Eid customs and traditions in Indonesia. She stated: 'We succeeded in bringing together diplomats and members of various communities in Kuwait in a celebration that reflects the spirit of Eid and the values of coexistence and cultural communication, ensuring that this day will remain a beautiful memory for those present.' The event featured traditional Indonesian dishes prepared by volunteer Indonesian women. All those who attended the event enjoyed a variety of Indonesian cuisine. The celebration also included competitive sports and entertainment competitions for adults and children, in an air of fun and joyful interaction among the participants. The atmosphere was filled with art and music, as attendees enjoyed distinctive musical performances, in addition to a karaoke session. The performances were widely appreciated and enjoyed by everyone, adding even more vitality and joy to the occasion