Washington- Faithful to the customs and customs associated with Ramadan, the Moroccan women of America are careful every year to perpetuate the tradition of "chaabana", a festival that illustrates in the Moroccan cultural register the meaning of reunion, conviviality and psychic preparation for fasting in a festive and spiritual atmosphere worthy of this sacred month.This celebration, exclusively female, allows expatriates, especially those residing in the concentration basins of the Moroccan community (New York, Florida, Virginia, etc), to meet each other and relive the habits of preparation for Ramadan typical of Morocco native.
For these women, who carry the motherland in their hearts, Chaabana is also a consolation in the face of the test of expatriation and nostalgia, especially since many immigrant families can not visit each year in Morocco to live religious events because of the high cost of travel.
During the Chaabana ceremonies, recently celebrated for the fourth consecutive year in the Virginia suburbs of the capital Washington and Florida, women are careful to wear traditional dresses (caftans, takchita, etc.), masterpieces Moroccan crafts that are synonymous with celebrating happy social events or religious holidays.
Both ceremonies were also animated by Sufi songs, combining panegyric, Andalusian music and traditional and modern songs from the rich Moroccan repertoire.
In the midst of this colorful atmosphere and sounds, the tables were richly decorated dishes, pastries and typical dishes of the month of Ramadan that illustrate the authenticity of the Moroccan culinary art and is the pride of Moroccans in the world. 'international.
And as at every meeting of the Moroccan community, the ceremony was also marked by patriotic songs interpreted in unison by participants wearing national flags.
For Imane Zhar, coordinator of Chaabana in Virginia, this ceremony is "an expression of the attachment of Moroccan women to secular traditions and components of their identity in order to pass it on to future generations".
In addition to being an opportunity for expatriate women to share moments of joy and break the routine of daily life in host countries, they demonstrate their ability to adapt to the realities and demands of modern life in one of the most advanced countries in the world, while preserving ties of belonging to the homeland and its traditions and customs, she told MAP.
Ms. Zhar added that more than 180 women participated in the event and contributed financially and logistically to its success in order to give a good image of the Moroccan community, highlighting the strong interaction of Moroccan women with all initiatives of a social nature, solidarity and charity of interest to members of the Moroccan diaspora.
For its part, Souad Amjahdi, president of the association "Menni Likome" in Florida, stressed that the atmosphere of the ceremony "Chabana" organized in this state, known for a high density of the Moroccan community, "differs in no way those taking place in Morocco ", adding that Moroccan families flocked there en masse to share moments of joy and conviviality, spoil the taste buds of authentic Moroccan dishes and dishes, and liven up the heart with songs and music. panegyrics of the Prophet.
The ceremony, she added, also included a special henna tattoo section for the benefit of the girls to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, as well as tips on the virtues of fasting for health and the noble purposes of this. pillar of Islam.
Ms. Amjahdi emphasized that the Moroccan community in Florida is taking advantage of these meetings to confirm its support for the various charitable and solidarity initiatives that characterize the holy month, such as mass fasting meals in mosques and case management. social problems in the United States or in the country of origin.
With their determination to celebrate "Chaabana" every year, the women of the United States-based community paint a glowing picture of a cultural heritage that has shaped for decades the singularity of the Moroccan model and its multiple tributaries.
And religious events, including Ramadan, represent a way for them to reconnect with this heritage and consolidate the bonds of their membership in the Islamic Ummah around the world.
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