“For peaceful coexistence”
Frankfurt transforms its food street into a sea of lights for Ramadan
From Sunday, the Freßgass in Frankfurt will be dedicated to Ramadan
© Ralph Peters / Imago Images
Ramadan begins this Sunday evening. Frankfurt sets an example for the month of fasting with special street lighting.
Frankfurt is known as a cool and rational financial center. However, the metropolis on the Main is currently making a name for itself with a very contemplative campaign that is intended to promote peace between religions and will probably also attract international attention: especially for During Ramadan, part of the city center will be transformed into a sea of lights and festively decorated.
For the first time, the city will draw attention to the Muslim fasting month on Große Bockenheimer Straße with lighting using crescent moons, stars and Fanoos lanterns as well as the inscription “Happy Ramadan”, the city’s official portal announced on Monday. Große Bockenheimer Straße is also known as “Freßgass”.
The fasting month of Ramadan is a time of pause for many people, the city explained its campaign, which is aimed at locals and tourists alike. The basis is therefore a resolution of the city council from last year.
Ramadan lighting should represent peaceful coexistence
“Ramadan is a time when people reflect on what is really important in life,” city council leader Hilime Arslaner is quoted in the statement. That is something to eat, a roof over their heads and peaceful security in the community with family, friends and neighbors.
Mayor Nargess Eskandari-Grünberg said the Ramadan lighting “stands for the peaceful coexistence of all people in Frankfurt.” The action sets an example for peace and humanity and also “against anti-Muslim racism and anti-Semitism.
Muslims all over the world are celebrating Ramadan from this Sunday, and the fasting month ends on April 9th. According to estimates, around 5.5 million people in Germany are Muslim, or almost seven percent of the population.
Sources: Frankfurt.de“Berlin newspaper“
Read at stern+: Every year Muslims around the world celebrate the fasting month of Ramadan. The strict rules always cause discussions. Hamburg doctor Keihan Ahmadi-Simab dispels prejudices.