Celebrating religious events is important to Syrians. People of all ages enjoy the religious celebrations ceremonies and family gatherings going on at these times. Not to mention the unique traditions that happen during such festivals. Let's have a look:
The Syrian population is mostly made up of Islamic followers, accounting for 87%. Thus, Islamic holidays are a significant event in the country. One of the most popular events is Eid al-Fitr, which occurs every August. The event marks the end of the month-long fasting period during the holy month of Ramadan. During Eid, family and friends gather together for a great feast, exchange gifts, wear new clothes, and of course, attend the mosque.
Another Islamic holiday, held in October. An important in Islamic countries' worldwide, this festival lasts for two to three days and celebrates the decision of Ibrahim to sacrifice his first-born son to God.Locals slaughter a sheep to this effect and together, as families and friends, hold great feasts all over the region.
Of course, Christians celebrate these days like every other country. Usually decorating houses and buildings, and putting up Christmas trees everywhere.During Christmas, Syrians attend Mass at church in the morning. The Christmas dinner is the main event of the day, where people prepare and enjoy delicious dishes such as chicken, lamb, and dessert. Around 10% of the Syrian population consists of Eastern Christians who celebrate Christmas. Before the celebration, many of them observe fasts as a spiritual preparation.
Likewise, Easter is an international Christian event that's celebrated around the world. Like other countries, Christians decorate their houses and colour eggs to celebrate this occasion. And for sure, people go to church to pray and watch marching bands perform in the streets. Such wonderful traditions! And it's usually a day off for most businesses and schools.
Kurdish Syrians in Al-Hasakah province celebrate the Norouz holiday, which happens on March 21st every year. For them, Norouz is a day of freedom and liberation from injustice.It marks the birth of a new life with the arrival of spring and a day of attachment to their land. It's also an affirmation of their national identity and culture.On the night before, Kurds light fires in nature and perform traditional dances around them. This ritual is associated with a Kurdish legend called "Kawa the Blacksmith," who lit a fire on a high mountain to announce to his people his victory over the oppressive ruler "Zahhak" and the beginning of a new day after liberation from tyranny.
Christians in Maaloula, Syria celebrate the Feast of the Cross, a festival honouring the cross used in Jesus' crucifixion.The story behind this tradition is that Emperor Constantine sent his mother to find the cross, which someone discovered afterwards during an excavation at the pagan temple of Venus.People lit fires across mountaintops to announce the news.Nowadays, people gather in the town square and climb to the highest point of Maaloula's small mountain to put up a cross light a fire, and set off fireworks after sunset.Maaloula's Christian residents organize the largest festival each year because they believe the village's small mountain top was one on which a fire was lit.
Christians in Marmarita, Homs celebrate this day with a carnival on 8th September.Participants in the carnival wear colourful costumes and drive decorated cars through the city streets, accompanied by various musical melodies.Artistic paintings and spontaneous performance scenes are displayed to celebrate this occasion.At the end of the procession, the townspeople carry a statue of the Virgin Mary adorned with flowers as a sign of respect to bless all residents and visitors.Sadly, this carnival did not take place between 2011 and 2015 due to the devastating Syrian crisis, but it resumed in 2016 as a religious and celebratory event aimed at spreading love, peace, and blessings.
