Holiday

Happy Eid al-Fitr from Tanzania!

Eid is a “festival of breaking the fast,” celebrated by 1.6 billion Muslims around the world. It follows Eid al-Adha, which is the “festival of the Sacrifice.” The holiday’s significance comes from the commemoration of Ibrahim (Abraham)'s willingness to sacrifice his young first-born and only son in obedience of a command from God. Today the Islamic population celebrates the end of Ramadan fasting. Celebration includes family and friend gatherings, sweet dishes, using perfume, wearing new clothes, musically performances, etc.

The streets are often loud with backfiring motorcycles and loud rusty cars, but this morning I woke up to Islamic music bursting through my bedroom window; it was a nice change. I knew the holiday was upon us and the music excited me! I went on a run with Ben this morning hoping to see some of the celebration. The streets were much less crowded than we are used to. We noticed many men and women dressed their kufi’s (cap), and hijab’s (head scarf). We passed by a Mosque FULL of people. The ceremony was so loud that we could hear it from across the street. This volume was surely to accommodate the 100+ people outside the building listening in. The experience didn’t stop there. Heather and I decided to go into town to food shop, but before doing so we were invited into our neighbors apartment to have a special treat. We were caught off guard but very pleased to join. We sat on the couch and waited as our Islamic neighbor’s wife set out some sweet dishes for us to try. The first dish is known as, Seviyaan. It is boiled milk, sugar, and Vermicelli. I enjoyed it very much. This experience explains the festival's alternate title of “The Sugar Feast.”
Our neighbors were so kind to allow us to join them in their celebration, which continues into tomorrow. I am pleased to be learning about the many cultures and religions that surround me in Arusha!