For someone who has lived all their life in a predominantly Christian culture, the Muslim religion and culture is fascinating to me. Here in Arusha, Tanzania, the population is made up of 50 % Christians and 50% Muslims. Because of the large population for both religions in the area, Tanzania as a country observes both Christian and Muslim holidays, which I think is only fair and right.
From my understanding Muslims have been fasting for Ramadan (which started according to my research on June 5, 2016). When us volunteers who are staying at Adia's realized that she was fasting but was making us these amazing yummy breakfasts, we felt very bad. She told us it was okay and not to feel bad or worry about it.
This week there are two National holidays - the national one is scheduled on Thursday, July 7 called Saba Saba (Saba means seven in Swahili and it occurs on the seventh day of the seventh month). The Muslim holiday will be sometime this week for two days called Eid Al-fitr. Eid (as it is refereed to) is a two day celebration marking the end of Ramadan. The determination of when this holiday is, is based on the moon. For example, if the moon had been sighted last night then the holiday would have been today and tomorrow (Tuesday and Wednesday). However it was not, so the Muslim community waits to see if the moon is sighted tonight, which would mark the beginning of Eid tomorrow.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around a national holiday that is dictated by the sighting of a moon. I think the idea is beautiful and given the population of the Muslim community worldwide, this process seems to work even though I am confused by it. We are so use to our holidays being scheduled that we know by looking at the calendar when the holidays are and plan accordingly. With Eir, Muslim communities have to flexible and in a sense much more prepared for the holiday no matter what day it falls on.
When I had my meeting on Monday with Uniterra and TTB about my mandate the holidays were brought up. So it was determined that because of the two day or possible three day holiday this week, that it would be best for me to go to Haydom, next week on Monday July 11 (which happens to be my mom's birthday) and be there for seven days. I would be working Monday straight through to Saturday with 4CCP and the local dance troupes. It will be a busy and full week but I love those types of weeks and work great under those conditions. It was also negotiated for me to have Friday off as well. Between the two day holiday, being off on Friday, it turns my weekend into a four day possibly five day weekend. The four of us Leave for Change volunteers, are hoping to plan a safari but it will depend on the others schedule for Friday. If not maybe we can do small day trips during the week and a two day safari. In the meantime the days that are considered working ones I will be spending in Arusha. I have completed my work plan for Uniterra and have started working on the festival organizational & planning training documentation for 4CCP. I will also work on this week the training documentation for the local troupes focusing on stage presentation. Believe me, it hasn't been all fun and games, there has been work.
Haydom is very close to Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park (known for their tree climbing lions) and I am hoping to get a visit to either of these parks while I am in the area. I am looking forward to the village visits that I will be conducting in Haydom and getting to meet more amazing people that call Tanzania home.
Next post....my weekend and the Ifulong Cultural Tourism Programme that I participated in on Monday....
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