Saudi National Day Cake

September 23 is Saudi National Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the establishment of Saudi Arabia by Ibn Saud in 1932. Until just a few years ago, there was really not much fanfare placed on this holiday, as the religious sector were quite strict in ensuring that only two holidays were observed in the country, both of them religious holidays.  But times have changed, and Saudi citizens now openly show their patriotism in many different ways.

A popular way of showing their pride for their country has been jamming the streets with thousands of cars painted green, with young Saudi men hanging out the windows waving the green Saudi flag. However this year warnings have been published in the newspaper relaying that cars painted green for the holiday are breaking the law.  Offenders can lose their vehicle and their drivers license as well as have to pay a fine.  Not only that, citizens are encouraged to rat out violators.  Nothing like putting a little damper on some harmless fun and their show of patriotism...