The Month of Ramadan in some areas of France is called Eid Al Adha, which literally means the festival of Eid. It is celebrated with a number of spectacular fireworks exhibitions, dues, meals and ceremonies. Some regions of France have designated a month to celebrate Eid Al Adha, or the festival of Eid, while others prefer to call it the Festival of Lights. One of the biggest concerns about the festivals in France and Europe in general is the issue of security, especially when children are involved. Children can be out of school during the month of Ramadan, so the main Eid celebration takes place in the evening, right before the start of the fasting period.
There are several reasons as to why this celebration is especially important to Muslims, or to people of the Islamic faith in general. Firstly, for many people of the Islamic faith, Ramadan is a time when they are supposed to fast from dawn to sunset – a period that covers four days. This is not only spiritually prohibited but is also inconvenient; as it means going to bed earlier than is ideal, and missing prayers. For these people, the importance of Eid Al Adha dates France far outweighs any of the other considerations.
Eid Al Adha is also held at a time when families are normally gathered together to have fun and spend some time together. It is often considered an appropriate time for children to be taken away from their primary education lessons, and the many clubs and other social gatherings that usually take place during this time can help children develop important social skills.
Of course, Eid Al Adha also helps to encourage young people to stay fit. After all, isn’t to exercise a key part of being a good kid? And in France and other European cities where Eid Al Adha activities are widespread, children can participate in swimming, running and various other sports activities. This not only teaches them the importance of staying healthy, but gives them a taste of competition – although children of course won’t be competing in the swimming pools of Paris!
Eid Al Adha also marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, during which Muslims all over the world fast from dawn to sunset. The festival is celebrated with much fanfare, great food and music, and of course, plenty of gifts. It is believed that during the fasting month, the faithful will be closer to Allah and receive His blessings; and by giving away Eid gifts, believers show their affection and respect for the month that has so much meaning for them.
When the day of Eid Al Adha falls on June 13th, you can expect a number of major festivals to take place in the city of Paris. One of the biggest attractions that evening is the traditional Carousel of Fools event, where hundreds of masked participants parrot out tunes to children, and the adults for that matter. Paris’s Le Bal des Collines is another great place to enjoy the day; here children can watch masked figures perform dance-slamming routines on the pavement. The Promenade Anglais is also a popular attraction; here families can watch children dressed up as fairy figures whack at plastic straws.
There are many other smaller events taking place around the city of Paris during the fasting month of Ramadan. Many local tour companies and restaurants will offer special classes for parents, pre-teens and young children who wish to explore the city of Paris during this sacred time of year. Other companies may even offer weekend breaks to the city, which may include a visit to a Mosque or Jewish Museum.
Whatever activities your children are looking for during Eid Al Adha, it is important to make sure that they do not miss out on the fun! They can spend part of the day having fun at one of the many supervised activities at local parks, or they can simply take a leisurely stroll. However they choose to spend their time, it is important to let children know that they are loved and respected by everyone around them during this period of the year.
