Eid al-Malik

History

The civilians celebrate the birth of their malik every year, with a big festival. It is tradition dating back many, many centuries.

Execution

People spend months preparing for this party. It isn't happening in just one place - every town, village, square celebrates in its own way. That could be with lots of food, dancing, streamers, decorations, dressing up. At the end of the day, as many people as possible fills al-Madina to watch as al-Malik stands on his balcony. They sing the birthday song, and their national anthem, and throw flowers up at him. It isn't compulsory to attend the nightly festivities in the city - but it's a fun party and nobody really wants to miss out, unless they have a reason. There is dancing in the streets, bakeries and coffeehouses staying open all night, with people carrying trays of food and dessert winding through the crowds all night. It is a celebration to thank al-Malik for the wonderful life they live.

Participants

It is a celebration for all. A national holiday. The royals all participate. al-Malik and his family all stand on the balcony together when the time comes, and then retreat to a more dignified and luxurious party inside the palace.