The Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) is holding its annual Eid al Fitr prayer and hallmark Muslim Summer Festival together on July 17th from 8am to 8pm at the Ernst & Young Centre.

Muslim Link spoke to the festival organizers about what participants have to look forward to this year.

For the 13th year in a row, Britannia Park transformed into a diverse and fun-filled showcase of Ottawa's eclectic Muslim community to celebrate both the summer and Eid.

Held by the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC) on August 10, the festival once again provided an opportunity for members of the community to showcase their cultures and traditions to one another and the general public.

“The more familiar we are with each other, the more respect we will build within our own community. Not only does it create positive networking for local businesses but it gives the youth a chance to feel part of a global family,” said Mariam El-Chamaa, a professional event planner who headed up this year's programming for the first time.  She said she was surprised by how well she enjoyed the experience.

Along with tents set up from a variety of Muslim majority countries from around the world such as Palestine, Egypt, and Somalia, there were also tents representing Muslim convert communities closer to home including First Nations in Canada and Latin Americans representing Venezuela and Peru.

Do you have a “bucket list”?  A list of things you'd like to do or accomplish before you die?  At the top of my list would likely be travel.  Meeting new people and hearing their stories inspires me.  Seeing how people live and trying new cuisines intrigues me.  There is just something so fulfilling about experiencing something new.