End of Ramadan celebration

Last night, the moon was sighted which meant the end of the month long fasting called Ramadan. Today is Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking). Today is PARTY time for our "cousins."

This is the day when everyone gets new clothes and shows them off. For some people, this is the only time in the year when they get new clothes. The men wear robes with intricate embroidery and the women wear bright colored fabric and ornate henna designs on their skin. Even the children get new clothes. Most kids also get sunglasses, hair bows, and even watches!

The streets were packed with people showing off their new duds and heading to prayer time.

All the men gather in an open field for a time of special prayer and a short sermon. Children are welcome also and older women. It is not appropriate for young ladies or married women to come apparently (although a few were there). There were thousands in the field. We tried to "blend."

See, you can barely notice me!

blending...blending

The prayer time officially started with the procession of the Laamdo (the chief of Meskine). His court proceeded him on decorated horses.

The Laamdo is in the pink thing. (side note- here boys wear pink and girls wear blue)

The prayer time lasted about 15 minutes followed by 15 minutes of a sermon. Then the Laamdo and his procession journeyed back to his palace near the city "square." The crowd followed. Loud music played and everyone wished each other and us "Bonne fete" which means "happy celebration" in French. 

The Laamdo took the long way to town so that crowds could gather for his arrival. When he arrived, everyone wanted to touch him or see him. The decorated horses paraded up and down the street (I almost got run over by them, not once- but twice!)

This is the Laamdo's palace.

When the Laamdo entered his palace, everyone took off for their homes where they will have a special meal. Then tomorrow, everyone will visit their families as the holiday continues for two more days.