Despite heavy rain and wind on May 30, roughly 300 participants visited the War Memorial Auditorium at Newton City Hall for Newton’s first-ever public Eid-ul-Adha festival — a milestone event celebrating Muslim traditions, hospitality, and community.
Originally planning to have an outdoor festival, the organizers quickly moved the entire event indoors with support from Newton City Hall staff. Away from the storm, families, neighbors, and visitors came together for an afternoon of food, music, art, and celebration.
Attendees represented a diverse mix of ages, faiths, cultures, and backgrounds. Attendees, including City staff, City Councilors, members of the School Committee, Human Rights Commission, and Families Organizing for Racial Justice (FORJ), called the event “great.”
Families and children enjoyed face painting, flower planting, henna provided by Newton’s own Henna Cafe, and Arabic calligraphy by Sara Elbashir. A friendly giant panda mascot brought levity and smiles throughout the event, while a DJ mixed traditional music and popular favorites from around the globe.
One of the highlights of the event was when attendees were invited to learn Dabke, a traditional Levantine group dance. Friends and strangers alike held hands around the auditorium floor and danced together. “Look at all that joy!” exclaimed Newton resident, Noorie Frank, who was attending the event with her family.
The program opened with welcoming remarks from organizer Saadia Baloch, who told attendees, “Today we’re hoping that a better understanding of your Muslim neighbors will both enrich your own lives, and make ours easier.”
City Councilor Martha Bixby echoed a similar theme, telling attendees, “It is easy to live side-by-side in a city, but the real magic happens when we live with one another.”
Following an explanation of the importance of Eid-ul-Adha by Ali Guermazi and a cultural introduction by Leena Albasha, the entertainment program began with a whirling dervish performance, a deeply spiritual Sufi ritual.
Lead organizer Amira Elamri reflected on the significance of the gathering, noting “Events like these help strengthen the sense of belonging and connection that make Newton such a special place.”
The event also served as an introduction to a new institution in the city: the Islamic Center of Newton (ICoN). Formally incorporated in 2024, ICoN plans to grow slowly in the coming years with the aim of creating independent and joint religious, social, and outreach programs and activities. It will support the estimated 200-plus Muslim families that call Newton home and serve as a cultural and interfaith partner citywide.
The festival was organized by a core team of Newton Muslim residents including Leena Albasha, Anoud Bakri, Aijaz and Saadia Baloch, Amira Elamri, Noura Guermazi, and Katya Malakhova, with support from many other local Muslim families.
Grant funding was provided by the Harmony Foundation and the Islamic Center of Boston in Wayland. Local business sponsorships came from Aladdin Tours USA, Katya Malakhova Realty Group, Third Eye Studio, and the Syrian American Network mentorship program. Food sponsors included Bertucci’s, House of Tandoor, Caffe Nero, Domino’s, and Halal Guys.
Organizers and attendees expressed hope that the success of this first public Eid celebration will mark the beginning of a new Newton community tradition.
The author is a Newton resident and supporter of the Newton Eid-ul-Adha festival.