Eid (pronounced “EED”) marks the end of the month of Ramadan for Muslims around the world and is celebrated during the first three days of Showal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar. There are lots of feasts. And at the beautiful Masjid Al-Heii Mosque in Sanford, they throw big things.
The Orlando Halal Eat Food Festival is the first of event coordinator Nausinakhaki. In the past, these festivals were more traditional. However, this year, congregation members wanted to welcome the entire community, as they often do for other events.
And they do so with over 20 flavorful, sweet and fine vendors.
“After a 30-day fast from Sunup to sunset, everyone wants a feast,” says Khaki. “We usually hold events to connect the Muslim community in the area, because we have a considerable number of people. We eat and do activities for kids and other things, and usually end the Eid celebration with fireworks. This year, we decided to do something different.”
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From restaurants to food trucks to pop-ups, it’s exciting to promote Muslim-owned businesses with halal products.
“There are Pakistani, Chinese, Thai, Mediterranean, etc. There will be desserts and coffee shops. I want everyone to try another dish.”
Throughout Ramadan, she says they offered the East Feast of Suhore.
“This was when we dined from 11pm to 4am and they were a huge success,” she explains. “So why not take part in this year’s Eid Festival and show people our beautiful mosque?”
Masjid Al Hayy hosts inter-fiction events.
“We’re going to come out with the sheriff’s department or the vice mayor. Or people from the Sikh and Christian and Jewish communities in Orlando. They talk to us. We celebrate being a united Florida community. It’s Muslims and not just living in America.
And there are plenty of events on Saturday.
Vendors attending include Charthouse (Indian Chinese), Big Back BBQ (East Africa Fusion), Mayan Thai, Koira Pakistani BBQ, Oxway (Vegan), Halal Brisket, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Chef Abrimus, Melton Dip and Burger Joan.
Family-friendly activities and entertainment hosts are also available, including train rides, mini golf, obstacle courses, free soccer scrimmages and coaching from the Paris Saint-Germain Academy.
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“We always welcome people from anywhere,” Khaki says. It also points out that tours of the mosque are available. “We hold high school and college religion classes and more, and we’re grateful that many of these Orlando vendors are coming to us for the first time.”
People often think that mosques are just for Muslims, she says, “But we want everyone to come here…it’s the most welcoming place anyone can visit.”
And on Saturday, one of the tastiest.
Do you want to reach out to me? Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo or the Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Join Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook Group for more foodie fun.
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