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Dearborn Heights’ Ramadan Suhoor Festival is a late-night — or early morning — celebration for Muslims and non-Muslims alike during the Islamic holy month.
MALAK WAZNE
Man puts melted cheese on potatoes at the Tornado Potato tent at the Ramadan Suhoor Festival in Dearborn Heights, MI, May 22, 2019.
Suhoor is the Arabic term for the pre-dawn meal Muslims have each day before fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
In Dearborn Heights, Ramadan Suhoor Festival is a food extravaganza that serves dishes as varied as cupcakes, cheesesteaks and churros for thousands of attendees during the late-night — or early morning, depending on your perspective — hours that observant Muslims can eat and drink.
“We’ve got people here from Houston, from California, that are foodies that flew out just for the event,” says Hassan Chami, the festival’s organizer.
The festival is in its second year, having started as a pop-up event last year. Its first weekend saw over 12,000 attendees, according to Crain’s Detroit Business.
But it’s not just the food that draws people out. The festival serves as space for celebration and outreach, says Chami. ”It’s good for community, especially for Muslims and non-Muslims to bridge the gap.”
CultureShift sent reporter Ziad Buchh and photographer Malak Wazne to the festival to see what drew thousands of people for the festivities.
Ramadan Suhoor Festival is from 11:45 pm to 4:00 am Fridays and Saturdays through June 2nd in the parking lot of Hype Athletics at 23302 W. Warren Ave. in Dearborn Heights. Admission is free.
MALAK WAZNE
Thousands of Muslims gather at Hype Athletics for Ramadan Suhoor Festival in Dearborn Heights, MI, May 22, 2019.
MALAK WAZNE
Ali Elromh, co-owner of Peepo’s Shawarma and Subs, squirts Peepo’s famous and homemade spicy Africano sauce at the Ramadan Suhoor Festival in Dearborn Heights, MI,May 22, 2019.
MALAK WAZNE
Ali Elromh, co-owner of Peepo’s Shawarma and Subs, prepares the famous Africano bowl at the Ramadan Suhoor Festival in Dearborn Heights, MI,May 22, 2019.
MALAK WAZNE
Hassan Bazzi beats a traditional Arab drum at the Ramadan Suhoor Festival in Dearborn Heights, MI, May 22, 2019. “Yalla! Get your food!” he shouts.
MALAK WAZNE
Jenna, 10, is greeted by a snake at the Ramadan Suhoor Festival in Dearborn Heights, MI, May 22, 2019.
MALAK WAZNE
Khalil Hamka prepares a traditional Arab breakfast at the Ramadan Suhoor Festival in Dearborn Heights, MI, May 22, 2019.
MALAK WAZNE
Man prepares za’atar bread on a saj at the Ramadan Suhoor Festival in Dearborn Heights, MI, May 22, 2019.
MALAK WAZNE
Men celebrate Mehdi Kabbani, 10, by throwing him into the air at the Ramadan Suhoor Festival in Dearborn Heights, MI, May 22, 2019.
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