Qatar really went all out for yesterday’s National Day festivities, amping up event offerings, lavishing decorations around town and drumming up excitement for the celebration weeks in advance.

But for many residents, the festivities ended on a sour note, as post-fireworks gridlock trapped people on the roads for several hours longer than necessary.

Unfathomable diversions put up by traffic police added to the confusion, as did Land Cruisers full of over-excited young men with itchy trigger fingers and cans of fake snow, shaving cream and Silly String.

After two and a half hours on the road, we gave up and parked our car on a side street, hiking home because police blockades made it impossible to get there.

This is not Qatar’s first go at National Day. It’s surprising and disappointing that the Wild West-type traffic jams persist.

Perhaps it’s our fault for not staying home last night…

What do you guys think?

PS Many residents are also complaining that the streets are full of trash from last night’s revelries. Several Qataris said they’ll be cleaning up the mess on the Corniche at 4pm and invites all to join them.

They’ll be meeting at the Post Office parking lot – bring your own broom.