Bristol celebrates diversity with grand Iftar events for Ramadan

Bristol is marking the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with two Grand Iftar events, showing the city's commitment to embracing diversity and fostering community cohesion.

The first celebration was hosted on St Mark's Road in Easton this Thursday, with the next scheduled for April 4 at College Green.

These events invite both Muslims and non-Muslims to partake in breaking the fast and celebrating Bristol's rich cultural diversity and community spirit.

Mohammed El Sharif, co-founder of the Grand Iftar, emphasized this inclusivity.

"The Iftar aims to bring people from all walks of life together, to celebrate the social richness, cohesion and cultural diversity of our community and our city in the spirit of Ramadan," he told BBC News.

Initiated in 2017 in response to the Manchester Arena bombing, the Grand Iftar in Bristol symbolizes peace and unity.

This year's Ramadan, starting on March 10, is a time for fasting, self-improvement and charity.

Oumana and Negat, busy preparing to feed hundreds at the Easton event, stress the importance of these gatherings.

"It's very important for everyone to share food and our culture with different people and different communities," Oumana said.

"Iftar is very important to people who have been fasting all day, but it's even better to be there with other people who want to learn about your religion and your culture," Negat added.

The College Green event collaborates with Bristol Cathedral and Bridges for Communities; meanwhile, Dean of Bristol Dr. Mandy Ford expressed delight in the cross-community participation.

"We are delighted to welcome people from around Bristol, but especially our sisters and brothers from the Muslim community, to break the Ramadan fast together," she said.

Dan Green from Bridges for Communities highlighted the significance of these events for fostering community relations.

"It's vital in the multicultural and multi-faith Bristol we live in that we find ways of living well together, and living well with difference," he remarked.

Source: Newsroom