Arab American Museum offers one-night “Yalla Eat!” Ramadan tour
By: Andrea Blum
Source: Detroit Press & Guide
The Arab American National Museum is offering an opportunity to take an in-depth look into one of the most spiritual and philanthropic times of the year for Muslim Americans – the holy month of Ramadan.
A special Yalla Eat! one-night-only Yalla Eat! tour will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. June 20, allowing guests to experience a few hours of fasting while exploring the diverse culture of Ramadan. The tour allows participants to learn about all the different ways the Dearborn community embraces the holy month across religious, cultural and social plains.
The program will begin with an informational segment at AANM, followed by a guided tour through the Arab American grocery store Dearborn Fresh. The evening concludes with an Iftar dinner at Sheeba Restaurant on Michigan Avenue, located within walking distance of the museum.
“Guests will obtain a unique perspective and an exclusive look into the many ways the Dearborn community, from businesses to households, function differently during the month of Ramadan,” AANM art educator Nourhan Mattar said. “This is a genuine opportunity to get a glimpse of one of the most festive times of the year for Muslim Americans.”
Ramadan, taking place this year between May 26 and June 25, is a holy month during which Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset. It is meant to be a time of spiritual discipline and partaking in extra prayer, increased charity and generosity. Iftar is the evening meal when Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.
Tickets are $40 for museum members and $50 for non-members
The Yalla Eat! Warren Avenue and Michigan Avenue walking tours, which are on hiatus during the month of Ramadan, will resume July 1.
The tours, offered to the public on Saturdays from July to October, highlight the historic presence of Arab Americans in Dearborn and offer a look at the diverse flavor profile of the community. Guests explore the intricate and rich culture of the city through a culinary experience hosting the most authentic and uniquely crafted flavors and recipes passed down for generations.
Tickets for the Yalla Eat! walking tours are $35 for museum members and $45 for non-members. All participants receive a Yalla Eat! shopping tote, a Yalla Eat! culinary map of Dearborn (for self-guided exploration) and one complimentary admission to the Arab American National Museum.
Visit arabamericanmuseum.org/yallaeat for tour dates and times.
