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Tourism Dep't celebrates Eid'l Fitr with festival of Muslim culture, traditions
Eid'l Fitr is one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar, but even non-Muslims are encouraged to join in the celebration. The Department of Tourism has stepped up support for this year's celebrations with the Eid'l Fitr Festival, which features a variety of activities, such as interactive Salam villages and a fashion exhibit on traditional Muslim attires.
August 9, this year's date for the occasion, was declared a regular holiday nationwide to allow all Filipinos to observe Eid'l Fitr.
Filipino Muslims perform Eid Salat during the Eid'l-Fitr in Luneta Grandstand last year. Photo by Danny Pata
Held on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, Eid'l Fitr signals the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting and prayer.
In Mindanao, Eid'l Fitr is a big celebration, much like Christmas. Families and neighbors share food, while merrymakers parade through the streets. People greet each other "Eid Mubarak," which means "Happy Festivities."
For non-Muslims, the festival is an opportunity to foster understanding and appreciation between them and their Muslim compatriots. "To promote cultural understanding and integration, the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr," read Proclamation 629, which was signed by President Benigno Aquino III on August 1.
According to DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., the celebration "provides opportunities to showcase the best of Muslim culture and traditions, as well as enable guests and even strangers to experience the practice of thanksgiving and sharing."
"The DOT is one with our Muslim brothers and sisters in this year’s celebration of Eid’l Fitr. As in the past, our participation is a constant recognition of the close affinity with the Muslim community and deep appreciation of our cultural diversity that lends more beauty to our country," he also said.
This year's festival includes activities such as country displays by the different Islamic embassies in the Philippines, a trade fair of products from Mindanao; a fashion exhibit on traditional Muslim attires; interactive Salam Villages; and cultural presentations.
The festival opens with an art exhibit at The Podium mall in Mandaluyong City featuring Islamic motifs and themes, including works by National Artist Abdulmari Imao.
Organized by Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc., the Eid'l Fitr Festival also features institutional exhibits by local government units, government agencies, and donor agencies working on peace and development initiatives.
According to the Tourism Secretary, the success of Eid'l Fitr is a testament to the support for the peace process towards the sustainable development of Mindanao. "Tourism is a vehicle to achieve inclusive growth and Mindanao can very well capitalize on its rich natural and cultural resources. We enjoin every Filipino to take an active role in making the entire country a peaceful, more fun, and must-experience destination in Asia,” he said. — Carmela G. Lapeña/BM, GMA News
In Mindanao, Eid'l Fitr is a big celebration, much like Christmas. Families and neighbors share food, while merrymakers parade through the streets. People greet each other "Eid Mubarak," which means "Happy Festivities."
For non-Muslims, the festival is an opportunity to foster understanding and appreciation between them and their Muslim compatriots. "To promote cultural understanding and integration, the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr," read Proclamation 629, which was signed by President Benigno Aquino III on August 1.
According to DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., the celebration "provides opportunities to showcase the best of Muslim culture and traditions, as well as enable guests and even strangers to experience the practice of thanksgiving and sharing."
"The DOT is one with our Muslim brothers and sisters in this year’s celebration of Eid’l Fitr. As in the past, our participation is a constant recognition of the close affinity with the Muslim community and deep appreciation of our cultural diversity that lends more beauty to our country," he also said.
This year's festival includes activities such as country displays by the different Islamic embassies in the Philippines, a trade fair of products from Mindanao; a fashion exhibit on traditional Muslim attires; interactive Salam Villages; and cultural presentations.
The festival opens with an art exhibit at The Podium mall in Mandaluyong City featuring Islamic motifs and themes, including works by National Artist Abdulmari Imao.
Organized by Magbassa Kita Foundation, Inc., the Eid'l Fitr Festival also features institutional exhibits by local government units, government agencies, and donor agencies working on peace and development initiatives.
According to the Tourism Secretary, the success of Eid'l Fitr is a testament to the support for the peace process towards the sustainable development of Mindanao. "Tourism is a vehicle to achieve inclusive growth and Mindanao can very well capitalize on its rich natural and cultural resources. We enjoin every Filipino to take an active role in making the entire country a peaceful, more fun, and must-experience destination in Asia,” he said. — Carmela G. Lapeña/BM, GMA News
