٠٠:٠٥:٥٢Dozens of Syrians flocked to the banks of the Barada River in Damascus on Saturday to take part in an annual tradition known as 'Takrizet Ramadan', a large family picnic ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
Footage shows people gathering on the banks of the river with food and drinks during the gathering. Dancers are seen performing with swords in traditional clothing while a man beats a drum to wake people for the 'Suhoor' (the last meal before fasting).
"Today we are in the Damascene House of Heritage at our association, celebrating Takrizet Ramadan, which we consider as a symbol of love, in which we bid farewell to the month of Shaaban and welcome the month of Ramadan with a unique atmosphere on the banks of the Barada River," said Adnan Tanbakji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Authentic Customs
On Takrizet Ramadan, it is customary for breakfast to include a range of foods that are usually avoided during Ramadan when worshippers need to stay hydrated.
Some Syrians wear traditional Damascene clothing during the picnic and sit in a circle opposite a storyteller who narrates old stories from folklore.
The 'Takriza' often begins in the day with participants returning to their homes at sunset. The picnics range from large gatherings to smaller affairs depending on the size of the family.
The tradition was once common practice in Damascus but saw a sharp decline over the past decade due to the Syrian civil war. Recently, families have started returning for Takrizet Ramadan picnics in a bid to preserve the ancient custom.
Damascus families gather for picnics on banks of Barada River to celebrate 'Takrizet Ramadan'
Dozens of Syrians flocked to the banks of the Barada River in Damascus on Saturday to take part in an annual tradition known as 'Takrizet Ramadan', a large family picnic ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
Footage shows people gathering on the banks of the river with food and drinks during the gathering. Dancers are seen performing with swords in traditional clothing while a man beats a drum to wake people for the 'Suhoor' (the last meal before fasting).
"Today we are in the Damascene House of Heritage at our association, celebrating Takrizet Ramadan, which we consider as a symbol of love, in which we bid farewell to the month of Shaaban and welcome the month of Ramadan with a unique atmosphere on the banks of the Barada River," said Adnan Tanbakji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Authentic Customs
On Takrizet Ramadan, it is customary for breakfast to include a range of foods that are usually avoided during Ramadan when worshippers need to stay hydrated.
Some Syrians wear traditional Damascene clothing during the picnic and sit in a circle opposite a storyteller who narrates old stories from folklore.
The 'Takriza' often begins in the day with participants returning to their homes at sunset. The picnics range from large gatherings to smaller affairs depending on the size of the family.
The tradition was once common practice in Damascus but saw a sharp decline over the past decade due to the Syrian civil war. Recently, families have started returning for Takrizet Ramadan picnics in a bid to preserve the ancient custom.
Dozens of Syrians flocked to the banks of the Barada River in Damascus on Saturday to take part in an annual tradition known as 'Takrizet Ramadan', a large family picnic ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
Footage shows people gathering on the banks of the river with food and drinks during the gathering. Dancers are seen performing with swords in traditional clothing while a man beats a drum to wake people for the 'Suhoor' (the last meal before fasting).
"Today we are in the Damascene House of Heritage at our association, celebrating Takrizet Ramadan, which we consider as a symbol of love, in which we bid farewell to the month of Shaaban and welcome the month of Ramadan with a unique atmosphere on the banks of the Barada River," said Adnan Tanbakji, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Authentic Customs
On Takrizet Ramadan, it is customary for breakfast to include a range of foods that are usually avoided during Ramadan when worshippers need to stay hydrated.
Some Syrians wear traditional Damascene clothing during the picnic and sit in a circle opposite a storyteller who narrates old stories from folklore.
The 'Takriza' often begins in the day with participants returning to their homes at sunset. The picnics range from large gatherings to smaller affairs depending on the size of the family.
The tradition was once common practice in Damascus but saw a sharp decline over the past decade due to the Syrian civil war. Recently, families have started returning for Takrizet Ramadan picnics in a bid to preserve the ancient custom.