ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Many Muslims across the Kurdistan Region  celebrated the first day of the Eid al-Adha holiday today, with early  morning prayers and feasts. Eid al-Adha, which lasts four days, dhas many different traditions.

After finishing the Eid feast, family, friends and neighbors then visit each other's homes. Men and women wear traditional Kurdish clothing, while children dress in brand new outfits specifically bought for the special holiday.

Guests are often met with hot tea and special sweets called kulicha,  which is made especially for Eid. Kulicha is a sweetened pastry stuffed or covered with dates or walnuts with sugar and spices such as  cinnamon added for flavor.

Adults also give children jazhnana, a gift of money, and have candy or  chocolate available for those who visit their homes with their parents.

In addition to the festivities of coming together to celebrate the first day of Eid, it is also customary for Muslims to visit cemeteries to  pay their respects to loved ones they have lost.

The Eid al-Adha holidays began locally on Sunday and will end on Wednesday.

 

Photos by Mohammed Shwany