National Day of Algeria celebrated

Islamabad

On the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the National Day of the Peoples Democratic Republic of Algeria, Ambassador of Algeria and Mrs. Lakhal Benkelal hosted a reception to celebrate the occasion.

The event was held at the Serena Hotel and attended by a cross section of diplomats and Pakistanis living in the capital but was not too crowded an affair at any time because there was another reception to which the same guests were invited. The guest of honour was Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed and the cake cutting ceremony took place after the national anthems of both Pakistan and Algeria had been played, with those sitting on the stage taking part in it. Both host and chief guest opted not to deliver a speech.

Dressed in colourful national costumes the hosts greeted guests with a warm welcome at the entrance and received their congratulations in return. Inside there was stage with a colourful backdrop and Algerian music was played to add a celebratory note to the occasion. Like many national day events celebrated by African; Asian and Arab embassies, it was a family affair as most of them believe that such a celebration should involve everyone!  

Algeria is a sovereign state in North Africa on the Mediterranean coast and is the largest country in Africa, the Arab world, and the Mediterranean Basin. Ancient Algeria has known many empires and dynasties, a fact which is reflected in its population and the languages spoken. Algerian cuisine is rich and diverse. The country was considered as the ‘granary of Rome,’ and has a variety of dishes according to the region and the seasons. The cuisine uses cereals as the main products, since they are always produced with abundance in the country and it can be prepared using meat, fish and vegetables.

Among the known specialties, couscous, is popular and was served at the reception at a separate station from the other cuisine. Guests got to know that this dish and the Algerian desserts had been prepared by the hostess herself and congratulated her on the flavour of both – it gave a homely touch to the affair.

Different countries celebrate their National Days for different reasons and Algeria celebrates in November because it marks the start of the War of Independence on November 1st 1954.