This Friday will be Eid. Sunday was the last market before the feast and the centre of town was very quiet whilst everyone went out to the beastmarkets or farms to buy their sheep. However it was only in the last week that things had hotted up whereas Christmas is still two months off but the garden centre was already starting its Christmas display and some shops their Christmas music loops before we left Wales in September.

Imane Oubbih from the High School explains the significance of Eid.

"Aid Uladha is celebrated by Muslims all over the world as a tribute to those who are completing pilgrimage in Mecca on that day. At Aid Aladha, Muslims sacrifice sheep which have been deemed Halal or fit for sacrifice.  They not only eat the meat themselves but also distribute it amongst their neighbours, relatives, the poor and hungry. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Dulhijja of the lunar islamic calendar ; after Hajj,the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.  While Aid El Fitr is considered to be one day, Aid El Adha is supposed to be four days .  In both celebrations, Muslims have to do prayers in the first day.

     During the days of this religious celebration, men, women, boys , girls and especially children wear new clothes to express their joy and happiness.  Also, families exchange visits.

     In the morning of Aid Uladha, women are the first to wake up very early to prepare breakfast for men and boys before going out to pray.  Men wear their new white djellabas (a loose garment), boys and girls wear their new clothes.  Aid Uladha breakfast is simple but not something that you would make everyday."