An iftar table 2 kilometres in length was erected on the Turnhoutsebaan in Borgerhout on Sunday evening setting a new Belgian record. "Easter falls in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan this year. It’s a way to bring a lot of people together," the organisers say.
Religion & Philosophy
2-kilometre Ramadan and Easter buffet in Borgerhout sets new Belgian record
Colin Clapson
Published:
It is always busy on the Turnhoutsebaan in the Antwerp district of Borgerhout, but on Sunday evening, the heavy traffic gave way to 2 kilometres of tables loaded with food and drinks. "Easter falls in the middle of Ramadan this year. That’s why at this iftar, the breaking of the fast, we want to bring even more people together," explains Latifa El Morabit of FMV, an umbrella organisation counting 140 associations mainly with people from a migrant background.
"This is not about Muslims or Christians. Everyone is welcome," says Latifa. "You can really eat anything here. There is Flemish potato salad but also Palestinian maqluba, which is an upside-down rice dish often eaten in Syria too. And of course there is Moroccan harira, a spicy soup that we often break the fast with".
Longest iftar table in Belgium
Last year, the iftar table in Borgerhout ran for a kilometre. Encouraged by the district authorities, one kilometre was added this year setting a Belgian record.