EAGER WAIT: Children perched on top of vehicles parked outside Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Malaz wait for the fireworks to begin on Sunday night. (AN photos by Abdul Hannan Tago)

RIYADH: The Saudi capital witnessed holiday crowds on Sunday night, especially in the designated areas of Eid Al-Fitr celebrations, on the first day of the three days of festivities. Some of the activities have been extended to a fourth day.

Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Malaz offered a fireworks display and laser-light show Sunday night. One hour before the program started at 9:30 p.m., people from all walks of life filled the stadium. Traffic police closed roads around the sports complex.

Sayed Zarief Sattar, an accountant from Pakistan, traveled with children all the way from his home located at Exit Six to Malaz to see the fireworks.

“I have been coming here every year for the past five years with my children to watch the fireworks, and every year it just gets better,” Sattar said. “My kids like it so much and enjoy seeing the sky being lit up.”

Usudan Dida-agun, a Filipino manager at Mitsubishi Elevator, said joining in the celebration offered him a nice break from work stress.

“This is the chance for us to get together for brotherhood and express our forgiveness to one another,” Dida-agun said. “I will miss this in Riyadh since I have been transferred to Madinah.”

Another expatriate from India, Shahib Khan, expressed his joy and happiness at seeing colorful fireworks in the sky, especially after one month of fasting.

“Thanks to the announcement of the Riyadh municipality, which was published in several newspapers and on leaflets distributed everywhere, we could join in the celebrations,” Khan said.

Another big crowd was seen at Prince Sultan University, which was hosting several activities. Young Saudis in large groups gathered everywhere celebrating in their own ways: by greeting others, chatting and even having impromptu gatherings in parking lots where they played the balut card game.

On the directives of Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman, the municipality had announced a new initiative for Eid celebrations.

The 2009 edition of Eid celebrations highlights the festivity through a range of events and activities, featuring fireworks, concerts, shows, local plays, poetry sessions and women’s programs.

The activities are being repeated daily in different locations. Sports activities, car and motorcycle races, a remote control air show, a sky diving performance, a bicycle race and traditional music are also being held in various areas.

There are family programs, too, with activities for children.

A folklore tent has been erected at King Abdul Aziz Historical Center where cultural programs are being hosted from 4 p.m. to midnight daily. A similar tent for hosting cultural programs has been set up at Al-Kindy Square in the Diplomatic Quarter.

In Madinah, meanwhile, the fireworks launched from King Fahd Central Park on Sunday night attracted a large number of people celebrating the Eid compared to other programs organized by the municipality.

Many families headed to the park with their children to see the fireworks.

Many Saudis and expatriates have expressed their happiness over the Eid festivities arranged by the municipality.

The King Fahd Park is expected to draw more people in the coming days to watch the fireworks. Madinah Mayor Abdul Aziz Al-Hussayen said the fireworks, being the main event of the Eid festivities, would continue until the fourth day of Eid.

— With input from Yousuf Muhammad