DEARBORN HEIGHTS (WXYZ) — It’s Ramadan, an Islamic holy month. It is when our Muslim neighbors don’t eat or drink anything from from sunrise to sunset.
A food festival might sound like an odd event to attend during this month for those who are fasting.
“Respect one another, to celebrate one another, celebrate the differences,” said Hassan Chami, organizer of the event.
This is the second annual Ramadan Suhoor Festival.
“Suhoor is the meal we have in the middle of the night," Chami said. "It’s like the last meal before we start our next day of fasting."
The festival takes place every Friday and Saturday during Ramadan at Hype Athletics in Dearborn Heights.
Because Muslims are fasting during Ramadan, the event is from 11:45 p.m. to 4 a.m.
“The first weekend was definitely a success,” Chami said.
Almost 10,000 festival goers showed up this past weekend.
“An amazing community that supports everyone,” Chami said.
He posts information regularly on Instagram and he’s hoping to attract non-Muslims to the event.
“(The event) serves as a platform where we can build bridges in our communities,” Chami explained. “We’ve had a lot of non-Muslims show up. It’s amazing, a lot of Muslims that are non-Arabs.”
Admission is free. There are 22 food vendors with a variety of cuisines from Middle Eastern to barbecue to Canadian desserts. Even though Chami just kicked off the second year, he is already planning for future festivals and he hopes to see you there.
“We have a place for you guys to come with your families, have your children enjoy Ramadan,” Chami said.
The dates are:
May 17 & 18
May 24 & 25
May 31 & June 1
Find more information on their Instagram page, @RamadanFoodFestival.
