Villagers in war-torn Yemen observe Eid tradition to deepen bonds, unity

A local troupe member wearing the mask of a monster celebrates the Eid al-Adha festival at Al-Maazbah village in Ibb Province, Yemen, on July 1, 2023. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

SANAA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The sound of drums and tambourines fills the air as local theatrical troupe members wearing outlandish masks walk along the roads between villages in the southern Yemeni province of Ibb.

Villagers follow the troupe joyously as they were entertained by the uproarious antics and jests of the masked performers.

This is the way how for centuries villagers in the Al-Maazbah District of Ibb have celebrated Eid al-Adha, one of the most important festivals for Muslims across the world.

A local troupe member wearing the mask of a monster celebrates the Eid al-Adha festival at Al-Maazbah village in Ibb Province, Yemen, on July 1, 2023. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

These customs have been passed down through generations, reflecting the strong bonds within local communities. At the core of the traditions is the practice of "mutual visits," symbolizing unity and togetherness during the holiday season.

During the Eid Al-Adha holiday, many villagers visit neighboring villages to sing songs and perform traditional dances. They are accompanied by local troupes donning strange attire and wearing masks that resemble monsters and mythical creatures. These performers, known as the "prince of the feast," are very good at filling the procession with playful banter and laughter.

"The good-natured skirmishes among masked jesters are all part of the revelry," said Abraheem al-Fareh, a local villager. "'The prince of the feast' has the power to entertain as he pleases, without causing annoyance or displeasure," he added.

Yemeni villagers banter with local troupe members wearing masks of monsters to celebrate the Eid al-Adha festival at Al-Maazbah village in Ibb Province, Yemen, on July 1, 2023. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua)

A warm and grand welcome is extended to the visitors upon their arrival at the neighboring village. Drums are beaten in the background as dances and traditional chants and songs are performed. The festivities culminate at the village's central parade ground, where the visitors are embraced with open arms.

This visit is reciprocated the next day, as the host villagers perform the same ritual by paying a visit to those who had visited them.

"This celebration is a treasured inheritance from our ancestors. It fosters a sense of kinship, camaraderie, and delight," al-Fareh said.

Such celebrations have special meaning for the villagers, who consider them a vital part of their community during Eid al-Adha. Even those who have been engrossed in their own pursuits and spent most of the year in far-off cities and regions will travel back to their villages for the Eid al-Adha holiday, demonstrating their dedication to their roots and shared heritage.

Local villagers hope similar customs could flourish in other parts of Yemen to foster social unity.

"The tradition gives all of us an unforgettable experience. It reminds us how good it feels to be friendly and kind to others, especially when our country is divided by war," al-Fareh added.

Yemen's civil war flared in late 2014 when the Houthi group seized control over much of the country's north and forced the internationally-recognized government out of the capital Sanaa.

The war has not only brought an immense humanitarian crisis to the Arab country but also separated many families and communities.

According to the United Nations, 4.5 million Yemenis, or 14 percent of the population, have been forced to flee their homes because of the conflict.

"Our steadfast hold onto the Eid al-Adha tradition is a testament to the indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience of the Yemeni people," al-Fareh said.