We are pleased to bring you two more Edinburgh 900 events that encourage us to find out more about Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha – two of the most important events in the Islamic calendar – and make everyone feel welcome as we celebrate together.
We are delighted to be organising two canal cruises on Saturday 19 April 20025 (a date between the two Eid festivals).
As well as enjoying a 2-hour canal boat cruise in the centre of Edinburgh, we will be joined by two musicians.
Alec Cooper, a local sitar player who received training from music gurus in India, and strives to represent Indian music in Scotland in an authentic manner. Andy Cooke plays various instruments from Uganda, including drums, thumbpiano and harp. Together, the duo explore ways of combining the traditional music from India and Uganda in new and original ways. Alec is also director of theSitarProject, a community based group that promotes Indian music across Scotland – especially Edinburgh – through classes, workshops and concerts.
Ticket price includes soft drinks (water and juice) and delicious freshly made samosas and pakoras.
Thanks to generous funding from City of Edinburgh Council, tickets will be heavily subsidised and priced at £5 per person.
BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL.
Our events on the Lochrin Belle canal boat aim to promote pride in our local community by showcasing the Union Canal in the centre of Edinburgh – inviting people to come and experience the water and the local area.
The events involve a cruise on the Lochrin Belle canal boat along the Union Canal to help diverse communities discover and explore this unique community asset in the heart of Edinburgh. The on-board activities, music and food are intended to celebrate the diversity of the city’s residents.
Eid-al-Fitr means ‘festival of the breaking of the fast’ and is a time for celebration with family and loved ones. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a holy month where Muslims refuse food and drink between dawn and sunset. In 2025, it will be celebrated at the end of March.
Eid al-Adha (‘Feast of Sacrifice’) is a celebration of unquestioning submission to God, faith, and personal sacrifice. It follows the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage period. Muslims worldwide honour the holiday by praying, sacrificing animals, giving to charity, and having a festive meal with family and friends. In 2025, Eid al-Adha will be celebrated on 6-10 June.
Approximately 3.5% of Edinburgh’s population are Muslims and they represent a beautifully diverse group, ethnically.
Fountainbridge Canalside Community Trust (FCCT) aims to make our local area a better place to live, work, do business and visit!
Our current activities include: running boats on the canal for community use and as a social enterprise, a large volunteering programme, a Canalside Health Walk, part of the Paths for All network, a weekly Canalside greenspace group and the organisation of community events and the Edinburgh Canal Festival.
Generally we are interested in any opportunities that strengthen our community economically, environmentally or culturally, and promote social inclusion, sustainability and well-being.
Visit www.fcct.scot to find out more about us, take a look at upcoming events in the area, find out more about our projects. We are also on most social channels @fcctEdinburgh