The aroma of spices mingled with the scent of grilling meat, creating a vibrant tapestry of flavors that drifted across Riemer Park. It was Saturday afternoon, and the air buzzed with the joyful chatter of thousands, as Munich’s Muslim community came together to celebrate Eid al-Adha. Maryan Ali Barre, her back to the Somali community’s bustling stall, savored a rare moment of rest. Her ‘sambus’ – savory triangles filled with minced meat, onions, carrots, and garlic – were a resounding success, drawing compliments from all corners. She had spent the night before, after her day job, tirelessly preparing them with other women in the mosque kitchen. Her daughter, Zaynab, a nurse with her hijab neatly framing her face, sold the pastries alongside grilled chicken and rice, her laughter echoing through the party tent as she watched the diverse crowd.
A Festival of Unity and Tradition
Eid al-Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar, comparable in importance to Christmas for Christians. It commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God. This year, for the first time, the Muslim Council of Munich extended the festivities to two days, Saturday and Sunday, in the expansive Riemer Park. This move addressed previous criticisms of insufficient space at past events, allowing for a more comfortable and inclusive gathering.
The park transformed into a bustling marketplace. Stalls offered an array of goods, from traditional scarves and jewelry to prayer rugs and perfumes. Children’s laughter filled the air from the bouncy castle and archery range. But the heart of the celebration lay in the shared meals and communal spirit. Long queues snaked around burger stands, their grills perpetually smoking, while others indulged in chocolate-covered strawberries, ice cream, and soft drinks. Ethiopian injera, Turkish lahmacun, and köfte were among the diverse halal offerings, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures within Munich’s Muslim community.
A Distinctly Different Celebration
What set this festival apart from other Munich gatherings, like the famous Tollwood, was its strict adherence to Islamic principles. There was no sparkling Aperol Spritz or beer; alcohol was absent, and smoking was prohibited throughout the entire venue. Rowan Yacoub, an IT student and volunteer event coordinator, emphasized the meticulous planning: “We were in close coordination with the KVR. It’s important to us that we observe all regulations, including environmental protection.” Her dedication underscored the community’s desire to host a harmonious and respectful event.
A young woman in a long white dress, accompanied by her cousin and aunt, highlighted the significance of this atmosphere. “Alcohol often becomes a problem at festivals in Munich, especially at the Oktoberfest,” she remarked. Her aunt, who arrived from Afghanistan 40 years ago, expressed gratitude to the city for providing such a space. “I feel especially safe and well looked after here today,” she said, a sentiment echoed by her nieces, who were born in Munich. They spoke of a subtle but pervasive xenophobia, a constant worry that any negative news might be linked to their faith. “When there’s talk of an attack somewhere, we desperately hope it wasn’t a Muslim,” one of the younger women confided.
Building Bridges and Fostering Community
A stage at the center of the festivities offered a continuous music program, punctuated by calls for prayer. Separate, tranquil areas were designated for men and women to observe their prayers. While some tables emptied during these times, it was clear that not all attendees felt compelled to participate, reflecting the diverse levels of religious observance within the community. Similarly, while many women wore hijabs, others chose not to, and some even had only their eyes visible through narrow slits in their coverings.
The opening of Eid saw the presence of city representatives, including Marian Offman (SPD), former Vice President of the Israelite Cultural Community and Commissioner for Interreligious Dialogue, City Councillor Barbara Likus (SPD), Dimitrina Lang, Chairwoman of the Migration Advisory Board, and the newly elected City Councillor Nihat Demir (CSU). Sokol Lamaj, First Chairman of the Muslim Council of Munich, expressed a wish for Mayor Dominik Krause’s presence, stating: “We want to build bridges and show that Muslims celebrate happily and peacefully. Islam belongs to Munich; around 200,000 Muslims live in the city.” He estimated that approximately 9,000 people attended on Saturday alone.
The event, “Munich celebrates Eid,” is funded entirely by donations from the city’s 50 Muslim communities. “Our goal is to establish the festival,” Lamaj affirmed, convinced that “this strengthens urban society” and could serve as a model for others.
The Heartbeat of the Festival: Volunteers
Mustafa Abdalla, a large, strong man, coordinated around 200 volunteers. As the first day drew to a close around 7 PM, he beamed, even as others around him carried carpets and tables into the central building. “I’ve never seen so many different people, heard so many accents and dialects as today,” he enthused. His parents often spoke of the joyous celebrations of Eid in Sudan, with countless people. Here, many have little family. But today, he felt part of a large, beautiful community.
The celebration in Riemer Park was more than just a festival; it was a powerful statement of unity, faith, and the vibrant multiculturalism that defines Munich. It was a testament to the enduring power of community, a place where traditions are honored, and new connections are forged, all under the open sky of a Bavarian park.
Source: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/opferfest-eid-al-adha-muenchen-riemer-park-muslimrat-li.3490347
