16 September 2010

Police Wrap - 16 September 2010

16 September 2010 | By johnboy

Australian Federal Police and ACT Policing members will be celebrating the end of the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan this Sunday (19 September) at the Eid al-Fitr festival.

Chief Police Officer for the ACT Roman Quaedvlieg said that the festival, which is celebrated by Muslim communities around the world, is also an opportunity to bring together people of many faiths.

“The festival welcomes people of all faiths in a spirit of harmony and community, and is an opportunity to learn about the Muslim culture, food and traditions,” Assistant Commissioner Quaedvlieg said.

“We have been working closely with leaders of the Canberra Muslim community to plan a festival which not only celebrates the Islamic faith and rituals, but brings the community together through food and fun,” he said.

The festival will include stage performances and cultural shows; historical displays and handicrafts; multicultural food and drinks; henna and face painting; reptile shows, an animal farm and pony rides; as well as dodgem cars, jumbo jumping castle and children’s rides. Constable Kenny Koala will also be in attendance.

Eid al-Fitr is a festival celebrated in Muslim communities around the world to mark the end of the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.

The inaugural 2010 Canberra Eid al-Fitr Festival will be held from 10:00am to 5.00pm Sunday 19 September at John Dunmore Lang Park (King Edward Terrace), between Questacon and the National Portrait Gallery. ENTRY IS FREE.

A ‘Welcome to Country’ will take place at 10.30am followed by a ‘Qur’anic recitation’ at 12.00noon.