HIBAPRESS – Tariq Abla
In a step with remarkable symbolic and cultural dimensions, the Dutch authorities have taken the initiative to decorate an entire street in Utrecht with the phrase "Fijne Ramadan" – meaning "Happy Ramadan" – in a first of its kind, reflecting an advanced level of recognition of religious and cultural diversity within the public space.
"Kanalstraat" street, known for embracing the Moroccan community along with various other communities, was chosen to be the facade for this festive scene that precedes the arrival of the holy month, which is astronomically expected next Wednesday as the first day of Ramadan in the Netherlands. The scene in the street suggests exceptional movement at the beginning of the week, with commercial stores experiencing a noticeable crowding, especially grocery stores which witness a wide demand for dates, "Lakrafs," "Chebakia," and essential components such as chickpeas and lentils, in clear preparation for iftar tables. This dynamic is not limited to its consumer dimension, but rather represents an important economic season that enhances the activity of merchants and adds additional vitality to the region. In parallel with this atmosphere, mosques in Utrecht, Amsterdam and all cities in the Netherlands are preparing to receive large numbers of worshipers during Tarawih prayers, where their spaces are filled daily with high spirituality and a strong presence of different age groups. This increasing demand is matched by a noticeable coordination from the local authorities, including the Dutch police, which contributes to organizing traffic and facilitating access to the vicinity of mosques, especially during peak times and after Tarawih prayers, ensuring smooth movement and maintaining public order. Active associations in the city are also experiencing increasing movement during Ramadan, as they are involved in organizing multiple social initiatives, the most prominent of which is providing free iftar meals inside many mosques, in initiatives that enhance the values of solidarity and social solidarity. These activities do not only target members of the community, but rather form bridges for communication and openness, and consecrate the image of Ramadan as a period of shared giving and social responsibility. The lighting of "Kanalstraat" with an official congratulatory phrase, along with the accompanying religious and social movement, reflects a qualitative shift in the approach to celebrating religious occasions within the Dutch urban space. The matter is no longer confined to a private scope, but has become a public expression of the presence of an essential component of society, in a scene where lights intertwine with feelings of anticipation, and in which everyone prepares to receive a month that carries deep spiritual and social dimensions.
