Yamen (13) from Syria celebrates Eid-Al-Fitr

Yamen: ‘On the morning of Eid-Al-Fitr we get up early for the special prayer. We then put on new clothes and go to the mosque. Then we visit the graves of relatives and we pray for them. Then we go home for breakfast. We usually eat hummus, beans and falafel. These are not expensive ingredients and these traditions have not been changed by the war.

Family visit

After breakfast we go to visit family. We often receive money, especially grandfathers and grandmothers give generously. Although the amount has become lower because many families are experiencing financial difficulties. But I’m happy with everything.

Traditions

This year I fasted completely for the first time. It helped that the days are short and the temperatures are low. I especially like the traditions of Ramadan, for example the special prayers that I do every evening in the mosque, together with my father and brothers. And that the Al-Musaharati, a man in traditional clothing, goes through the streets before dawn to wake people up so that we can eat before the fast begins. He shouts in a sing-song manner and beats a small drum. It’s an old custom in Damascus.’