Story: Rohan Francis
October's gloom was temporarily broken when the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha visited Abbeyfield Park for an colourful afternoon party on 26th October.
The annual festival, celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, marks the end of the Hajj – the period when Muslims make their pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Traditionally, these celebrations continue until sunset, 3 days later.
The party in Abbeyfield was organised by a group of young people from the Masjid Al Taqwa on Andover Street and Al-Sunnah Centre on Kirk Street, and was the second such event they had put together this year, after hosting a successful gathering to celebrate the end of Ramadan in the summer. Local leader, Guleid Jama told the Messenger that many young people had worked hard, putting in a lot of their own time to make the event happen. He added that this should help demonstrate that the negative perception of the young is not always true.
Many local residents, both young and old, spent the afternoon enjoying funfair rides, food and drinks and special activities, including market stalls, a rodeo bull, bouncy castle and slide, exhibitions and displays.
For more information contact Guleid Jama, Masjid Al Taqwa, Andover Street (e-mail g_jama@yahoo.com)
