Posted on 08/23/2005 11:36:55 AM PDT by 4.1O dana super trac pak
Parma- The Irish have one. So do the Italians, the Greeks and the Puerto Ricans.
But Greater Cleveland's 40,000 Muslims have had no unifying festival to strengthen their bonds and to share their diverse cultures with the rest of their neighbors.
That all changed Saturday with the debut of SalaamFest 2005. The one-day event, held at the Islamic Center of Cleveland on West 130th Street, featured games and food as well as educational and cultural activities for both the faithful and the curious.
"The idea was to bring the community together," said Ali Khan, chairman of the organizing committee. "All the major mosques are involved. This is a start, hopefully."
The festival, which got a strong turnout despite scattered showers, grew out of a series of town hall meetings at Cleveland State University last year. Those discussions centered on the need to show the outside world - as well as Muslims themselves - that their religion is not the rigid, humorless dogma often portrayed in the media and popular culture.
To that end, games included "Pin the Black Stone on the Kaba," a new version of an old children's game.
Instead of using a donkey and tail, contestants try their luck placing the divine meteorite in the correct spot in the Kaba, the central shrine of Islam. The day even concluded with a Muslim comedy troupe called Allah Made Me Funny.
"A lot of people feel threatened by our religion, and a lot of Muslims are afraid of their own identity," said Hadele Banna of the Concerned Muslims of Greater Cleveland.
Local Muslims view the event as significant for several reasons.
First, the festival was organized by a diverse, grass-roots effort rather than by the mosques, which are usually distinguished by specific race and ethnic backgrounds.
Also, it comes at a time when Muslims throughout the nation - regardless of race or nationality - are still being stigmatized by the Sept. 11 attacks.
Finally, it gives the Muslim community here the kind of high-profile festival that Muslims in other U.S. and Canadian cities have enjoyed for years.
"We felt it was time in Cleveland to do this," said Muhammad Samad of the IntraCity Muslim Action Network.
Organizers were set to hold the event in downtown Cleveland but changed plans because of the cost and uncertainties about the turnout. But they hope to hold future festivals in a place where the entire Cleveland community can participate.
"Some people think Muslims are closed off and don't interact with their neighbors," said Julia Shearson, one of the organizers. "Nothing could be further from the truth."
I asked for my money back at the Bearded Lady tent. You couldn't see anything.
"pin the black stone on the Kaba"? That's about as reverant as a game where you "hang Jesus on the Cross".
How about "hack off the head"?
Yah, But what about the 70 virgins? Hoo-Hah!
Considering the date of their 'festival', I'll take a pass.
"This is a legitimate festival once they start having Catholic festivals, Lutheran fairs, etc. "
http://www.crossroadsfestival.com/
http://www.proud2bcatholic.com/index.php
http://www.lutherancolleges.org/collegefairs/default.htm
http://artsandcrafts.about.com/od/craftshowsinnewjerse1/qt/042005d.htm
Google is your friend...
Other fun events:
1. Dunk a Dhimmi
2. Wife Beaters 100-yard Dash
3. Best Blood Libel Against the Jews short story contest
4. Bible Bonfire (sponsored by Saudi Arabia)
5. Wet Burkha Contest (okay, that's an old joke)
I would guess that brightly colored tights, leather braziers, and funny hats are a major faux pas at a Muslim Fest.
"""Considering the date of their 'festival', I'll take a pass."""
I'm sure it's just a coincidence. They probably have it the second Sunday in September every year. But one can never be sure.
I don't care, those bhajias are just too good to miss!
Ya had me going until I read that. This is from the Onion, right?
Thank you. I was going to post the same thing.
"I'll bet this Muslim festival was a million laughs. "
http://www.allahmademefunny.com/
Even so, the FR cry would be "taqiyya"... :-(
Yet another event stolen from the Old Testament!
I've seen pictures... Celibacy is in!
I can see it now!!
"Festivals like this are a good step if they signify and increased thr willingess on the part of American Muslims to join American society."
I strongly agree but it's a pretty much useless statement to many who post on these threads - it appears there are fanatics on both sides who take their marching orders from the same Imans who say kill all the others and start the world-wide conflict.
Are you fairly certain or not sure? It's either on the 2nd Sunday or not. It sure is on 9/11 though, isn't it?
"""It sure is on 9/11 though, isn't it?"""
It sure is!
And since this is only the first year they've decided to put on this money-raising event twice in one year, I'm not sure whether the 2nd Sunday in September will apply in future years.
Yeah yeah, I'm fully awere that CSIS could be interested. But if they ever found out that this is just a one shot deal they could possibly ban the damn thing and ..... well, like I said before, those bhajias are just too good to miss!
So f**k CSIS, I'LL BE THERE!!
BTW - If you hear an explosion THINK ZEBRAS because it will probably be my overstuffed belly exploding.
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