Why this Eid is unlike any other for Syrians: Video
A new era has begun for Syrians following the overthrow of the Assad dynasty, which had ruled the country for 61 years.
In downtown Homs, dozens of Syrians previously barred from celebrating the holiday are preparing to rejoice freely for the first time in 14 years.
On the evening of Wednesday, June 4, many Syrians crowded the bustling streets of Homs to shop for clothes, fireworks, and snacks in preparation for the upcoming holy celebrations.
Yasmine Al-Nimr, a mother of two who was previously displaced from the Al-Waer neighbourhood of Homs, told AFP, "This is the first Eid in 14 years that we've come to downtown Homs and strolled around Deblan Street and Hamra Street and the markets. It's the first time we feel like it's Eid in 14 years. We're hearing the Eid call to prayer in the streets; it finally feels like Eid in Homs. We haven't had an Eid since we fled Homs (during the war)." Adding "This is the first time I'm buying (Eid gifts) for my girls, who I brought with me from the liberated north, and I brought them here to Homs to buy them clothes. You wouldn't believe my happiness. You wouldn't believe how happy I am to be shopping for clothes in Homs.”
"Eid is different from last year and the years before. We've lived happy days since the liberation. The markets are different between Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr, but even Eid al-Adha is different this year. Eid al-Fitr was nice. So we're hoping that there are good things to come. Happy Eid to everyone," Tamer Al-Sufi, a 59-year-old shop owner in Homs, also added.
Eid al-Adha, one of the two major Islamic festivals alongside Eid al-Fitr, is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijja, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. The festivities typically continue for the next three days, known as the Days of Tashreeq.
The festival commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.
It will be marked from the evening of Thursday, June 5, to Friday, June 6, this year.
