During wartime, a 'chronic' electricity crisis - and hunger: The Houthis' ostentatious celebration
Streets, houses, cars, and boats in Yemen are currently decorated in green in honor of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. However, the situation in the country is far from festive: the war with Saudi Arabia is ongoing, many areas suffer from severe electricity shortages, and hospitals are collapsing. 'The atmosphere is pleasant with the green color, but my pockets are empty,' locals say.
Houthi rebels in Yemen have begun celebrations ahead of the Prophet's Birthday, which will be marked across the Muslim world in the coming week. However, the festivities, which include night light shows in the green color associated with Islam, contrast sharply with the reality in the country, especially in areas under Houthi control that suffer from severe poverty, shortages, and disease.
The celebrations do not match the current security situation, as the Houthis are actively fighting against Saudi Arabia, carrying out attacks against it and forces identified with it within Yemeni territory. In various districts, including Sanaa, Hodeidah, and Amran, streets are adorned with green lights and convoys of decorated vehicles. Publications on Houthi-affiliated channels give no indication that some of these districts have suffered attacks in recent months.
Meanwhile, Yemenis are dealing with a severe general shortage and electricity prices that many cannot afford. According to a recent Al Jazeera report, the electricity crisis in Yemen is chronic and structural. In areas like Taiz, Hodeidah, and Sanaa, government electricity supply has been completely cut off. Taiz relies heavily on solar energy as a limited alternative due to dilapidated infrastructure and the closure of its power plant. In coastal cities, power outages last between 12 and 20 hours a day, while in Sanaa and Taiz, outages can reach 24 hours, forcing residents to rely on solar energy or expensive commercial generators.
The crisis directly affects the country's health sector. Power outages have disrupted critical medical equipment, including dialysis machines and incubators, and hospitals bear high costs for operating generators, threatening the lives of thousands of patients.
A source from Sanaa explains to ynet: 'The celebrations take place every year. Streets, government buildings, schools, universities, and even mountains are decorated with green lights and symbols. Some Yemenis see these ceremonies as an opportunity to break the daily routine, while others see them as an exaggeration.' According to the source, many citizens are resentful that while people are suffering and some are dying of hunger, and workers have not received salaries for years, huge sums are being spent on decorations.
'There are those who claim that such a celebration is an insult to the needy. Many mock the excessive attention given to the event while people are suffering. It is true that everyone wants to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, but in such a difficult situation, these expenses are seen as a challenge to the people,' the source said, quoting a resident: 'The atmosphere is pleasant with the green color, but my pockets are empty.'
The Houthis claim that the costs of the celebrations do not come from the state treasury, but from donations and the citizens themselves, and that they view the celebration as an expression of true faith and love for the Prophet Muhammad.
