2023-08-16 02:15:25
KUWAIT CITY: A group of Kuwaiti youths are continuing the ‘sea life’ in memory of their ancestors who depended on the sea decades ago. This adventure is part of the Kuwait Pearl Diving Festival which started on Saturday.
They are reliving the memories of their forefathers’ adventures at sea and pearl collection, which was the main source of livelihood for many, at the festival which runs till Thursday. In traditional costumes, they live on a ship reminiscent of the ancient packing ships.
About 60 young Kuwaitis will be a part of this in wooden boats with two mats attached. They reached the Khairan area the other day and started going down to the sea to collect pearls. Return to shore with the pearls collected on Thursday. This day is known as ‘Al Ghafal’.
In the past, the people of Kuwait engaged in long pearl-collecting trips of up to four months in search of livelihood. Life was found through sinking pearls. In 1986, the Kuwait Sea Sports Club started an annual festival to preserve these memories.
Collected pearls
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also provided five small boats to the participants. Ships were also presented by the late Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jabir Assabah. Then the story and experiences of a generation in Kuwait were recreated through this. The festival, which was suspended due to Covid, returned this time after a gap of three years.
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