Festivities

Festivities in Somalia are associated with religious, social, or seasonal events. At the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, Muslims celebrate the Id-al-Fitir for three days. During this time, people dress in new clothes and spend their time praying and exchanging presents. Another religious festival, the Id-al-Adha, comes three months later and coincides with the Haj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, which all devout Muslims must make if they are able. The celebration is similar to the Id-al-Fitir.

Social occasions such as engagement, marriage, the circumcision of boys on the seventh day after birth, and the remembrance of saints are rooted in both culture and religion. In the rainy season, when grazing and water are abundant, young nomadic boys and girls perform traditional dances out in the open and often at night. Separate dances are also held for seven consecutive days after marriage.

The festival of fire falls on July 27 or 28 and marks the beginning of the Somali solar year. Although Somalis, like all Muslims, follow the lunar year, they use the solar year for the timing of crop production and livestock husbandry. At the festival of fire, people build bonfires, splash water, and, in some communities perform stick fights and dances. This festival, called Neeroosh or Dab-shid, is probably a remnant of fire and sun worship dating back to Persian influences. Another popular festival is the Robdoon. Among the Raxanweyn, religious leaders read from Islamic texts, sprinkle holy water, and call for rain while young people may dance.

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