It's Koriteh!

Yesterday the Ramadan ended and Koriteh (the festival of Breaking the Fast) started. During the past month the majority of Gambians have fasted in observance with Ramadan. Unlike in the Netherlands, the conditions here are vastly different. The combination of the extreme heat with high humidity really makes it necessary to drink at least two liters of water a day. Drinking or eating is not allowed from sunset to sunrise, and during Ramadan and this becomes evident as you travel around the country.

The first two weeks are not too bad, as most people have some reserves, however during the last two weeks I noticed people getting edgy, short tempered, and generally more unfriendly. Especially during the last week I was amazed at how many people were just sleeping during the daytime, on the street, under the mango tree, and on the beach, purely due to exhaustion and probably dehydration. No wonder life grinds to a halt here during Ramadan, especially when it coincides with the rainy season.  I have the utmost respect for what people choose to believe in, however would it be so bad to allow people to at least drink water during Ramadan in countries where weather conditions are harsh?

...All dressed up
Photo courtesy of Justin Walker

Now about the fun part, Koriteh! Gambians spend their last money on buying food and clothes to look  good for Komiteh, and while driving around Brikama last night I was awed by the colorful outfits and beautifully dressed up men and women. It looked like every Gambian in the country had put on their Sunday’s best and went out strutting around like a proud peacock. The elders tend to wear more traditional African robes, while youngesters prefer Western style, with flashy jeans, white trainers, and of course a pair of bright yellow or orange sunglasses, preferably with mirrored lenses. 

But what I enjoyed most were the children. They walk from in small groups from compound to compound asking for salibou, a charity donation ranging from 2-5 Dalasi which is customary during Komiteh. While driving I saw many of these groups of 3-8 children holding hands walking alongside the road, often wearing matching outfits especially bought for the feast. Cuteness abound!!!

Unfortunately I could not get out of the car because within no time I would be surrounded by children shouting “salibou!”. And once you give to one group as a Toubab (white foreigner), there is no turning back and no escape possible from the other groups. So the only picture I got was of this small group walking along the road, taken from the car.

Group walking from compound to compound asking for salibou