Verified answer

Saddam Hussein idealized Joseph Stalin. It’s part of Saddam’s politics & propaganda to make each Iraqi citizen that he’s very present in his life. He portrays himself as a hero to the farmers, labors, professionals of all kinds, artists, etc. & so, the whole country must celebrates his birthday thanking God for the “gifted leader” he presented them with!

You can understand it better if you read the Animal Farm by George Orwell.

He was President of That country for a Long time! And Contrary to popular belief, he was quite popular among many of his citzens!

Yeah, that's weird, I don't know how that began but that's not an unusual thing for countries governed by dictators.