On March 15 we celebrated in Red Incola the community celebration of the Iftar of Ramadan. A space for meeting and dialogue to learn about this sacred month for Muslims, strengthen coexistence and mutual respect among people of different origins and religious beliefs.
The event was attended by about 130 people from the Muslim community of Valladolid, public institutions, social entities, volunteers and participants of the different programs of Red Íncola. Valladolid City Councilman Rodrigo Nieto attended the event.
Already at the entrance there was a welcoming atmosphere, with the invitation to tea, a gesture of hospitality typical of Moroccan culture. The aisle and the hall were well cared for with details and decorations that showed how important this celebration is.
Maru and Ghizlane welcomed the people who arrived, such as Mr. Rodrigo Nieto, Councillor for the Elderly, Family and Social Services of the City of Valladolid, or the media who came to cover this event, and presented the event. “We want to break down borders. Remove many prejudices and get to know the religion of others. In many cases religion is a factor of separation, but it should not be so. There are many aspects that unite us.
Through the presentation of Houda, a play, and the intervention of the imam of the mosque “De la Paz” in the neighborhood of Pajarillos, the public was able to share and learn more about how the holy month of Ramadan is lived. It also helped to break taboos and prejudices heard on social networks or in everyday conversations.
Iftar (Arabic, إفطار) is the evening meal with which the fast is broken during the month of Ramadan. The Muslim community usually celebrates in a communal way, with family, friends or groups of Muslims who gather to break the fast. It takes place just after sunset. It is a celebration to share in community, a true celebration of brotherhood and solidarity.
There are many aspects that coincide, since Islam comes from the Hebrew tradition, with which we share a unique God, prayer, the meaning of fasting, charity and solidarity. In addition, during the beginning of spring there are also festivities of other religious beliefs such as the New Year of the Baha’i Faith or the Jewish Pesach, with which we also have many coincidences”. Silvia said.
The central moment was the breaking of the fast. And after the call, dates and water were distributed. Afterwards a great feast full of traditional Moroccan dishes such as couscous, ftour, harira soup and sweets among many other dishes were shared.
This was the fourth year that we held this celebration, and without a doubt it is a way that surprises and breaks prejudices. Mutual understanding is the key to eradicating prejudice and building bridges between communities. Diversity is a strength.
