Colors of Djibouti City - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Geographically, Djibouti is located at the intersection of different countries, which became the reason that local people are distinguished by tolerance and friendliness. You can always ask them for help without worrying about refusal. When visiting the city, one should strictly observe local laws and regulations, because no matter how tolerant and friendly the locals are, boundless patience is wearing thin if the local traditions are treated without any respect.

The country's official languages are French and Arabic but you can still hear Somali here. International English is not so common and this should be taken into account. The local cuisine is known for its nutritiousness, fast food is widespread. The main products are meat, vegetables. Among dishes that must be tried while in the capital of Djibouti are “Djibouti”, or “Fah-Fah” (traditional soup), “Yetakelt W'et” (spicy fried vegetables), Djibouti lentils, banana fritters. All the dishes are necessarily served with sauces like Berbere or Niter Kibbeh.

The culture of Djibouti is very rich and diverse, and not least of all due to the fact that it was influenced by many ethnic groups that reside in the state. You can experience this flavor during festivals and holidays. One of the most distinctive festivals in Djibouti City is Fest’Horn falling on the middle of December. Here you can hear the best performers and bands from Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen, Kenya, and, of course, Djibouti, playing in completely different genres - from hip-hop to reggae. This is one of the best and most important festivals in the region. Many people look forward to attending the event because it is a great chance to get acquainted with the local culture. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Djibouti Independence Day is widely celebrated in Djibouti City on June 27. Local traditions demonstrations, military and colorful themed parades (a new theme is chosen for every year), theatrical, dance and music performances - all this awaits people who've decided to join the celebration on the central streets of the city. At this time, officials give inspiring speeches to make the people proud of their country and feel unity. On such a big day it is difficult to stand aside - everyone feels part of in the event. Labor Day is widely celebrated on May 1; a solemn rally is held in the capital of Djibouti at this time.

During the celebration of many Muslim holidays, one should either completely refrain from drinking alcohol or avoid drinking in public places, which violates the traditions of Islam. The first most revered holiday is Ramadan, the holy month, which is very widely celebrated in Djibouti City. Its celebration falls on the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, and at this time the followers of Islam keep strict fast and distance themselves from all earthly pleasures. During the celebration of Ramadan, it is also customary to do good deeds - it is believed that good always comes back.

The holy month ends with the so-called Eid al-Fitr (celebrated in the month of Shawwal), which is considered the day of breaking the fast. This religious holiday is accompanied by prayers, rituals, including almsgiving. The celebration is accompanied by a rich feast after a month of fasting, the holiday is celebrated in a family circle. Another Muslim holiday widely celebrated in Djibouti City is Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice. On this day, followers of Islam put on their best clothes and go to the mosque to pray, after which the holiday is celebrated with the family - all its members sing the lines from the Quran. After that, it is customary to honor the dead ancestors by visiting cemeteries. The sacrifice of goat or lamb becomes a culmination of the holiday.

Mawlid celebrated in the month of Rabi' al-awwal is the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the most revered figure in the Muslim religion. This is another Muslim holiday in Djibouti City, during which it is customary to spend time within the family circle and pray. The Isra and Mi'raj, or, to be more precise, al-’Isrā’ wal-Mi‘rāj, is also associated with Muhammad. The holiday commemorates the prophet's ascension to heaven accompanied by angels. During the holiday, it is customary to pray for the salvation of all the faithful, as well as for the family's good health.

Hijri New Year, or Muharram, is one of the largest holidays in the Muslim tradition, which marks the pilgrimage of the Prophet Muhammad to Medina. The Islamic New Year is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. The Christian New Year falls on the same date as in other countries - that is, on December 31. In Djibouti City, family members sit down at the table, it is customary for everyone to wish only good and forgive old grievances. This is one of the brightest holidays in Djibouti City along with Eid al-Fitr.

Christmas, the Christian holiday, is also widely celebrated among Christian adherents and Christian tourists. In general, traditions do not differ much from the European traditions - the same decorated Christmas tree, the same Christmas toys, the same Christmas carols. Christian churches are decorated with lights, which makes the holiday even more mysterious and fabulous. Then the celebration moves into the homes to be spent in a family circle. At this time it is customary to cook special Christmas dishes for the whole family.