On Saturday, the Mecca Center in Willowbrook is hosting an Eid Fest and drive-in movie night to celebrate Eid al-Adha. The event includes a host of activities and inflatables from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with movie night beginning at 8:30 p.m.
Eid al-Adha, the latter of the two official holidays celebrated in Islam, occurred on July 20 and is typically marked by slaughtering livestock and sharing portions with family, friends, and the needy, as well as communal prayers and social gatherings.
Last year’s Eid festivities at the Mecca Center — both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha — were in the middle of the pandemic when vaccines were not yet available. Instead of bouncy houses and food trucks, organizers pivoted to a drive-thru Eid, handing out balloons and gifts for the kids stopping by.
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“After COVID-19, quarantines, lockdowns and what have you, as a community at large we are thirsty and hungry to come together and experience social activities together, but of course with caution,” said Hassan Aly, Imam and religious director at the Mecca Center. “We are trying to make sure it’s joyful and fun but also safe for the community.”
Masks are optional at the outdoor event, but Aly asks unvaccinated people to wear a face covering and keep a social distance.
The slate of festivities includes a petting zoo with pony rides, face painting and henna — the traditional intricate, temporary tattoo-like paint adorned on hands. Food trucks will also be plenty with Muslim vendors serving halal food, sandwiches, desserts and more.
Aly provided a list of confirmed vendors so far, like Soul Kantina, Brama La Pizza, Cedars, Cinnabon, Donut Dudes and a Chicago-based Muslim-owned business, Rundventures. An ice cream truck will be on-site, too.
Aly emphasized the significance of hosting an event for the Muslim community and hopes people are able to join the fun at little cost.
“Some vendors and activities have a separate fee but we talked to the vendors and all of them agreed to provide at minimal costs for this kind of event,” he added.
While entry into the Eid Fest and jumping on inflatables is free, the drive-in screening of Pixar’s Luca is $20 per car.
“I think it’s really important for our youth and children to see that we have something to celebrate with the community,” said Aly. “It has been a trying year for so many, but at least we can have something. There are people who haven’t seen each other for over a year now and this is a great opportunity for people to celebrate together, talk to one another and support each other in this special time.”
The Mecca Center is located on 16 W 560 91st Street, Willowbrook. Eid Fest will be taking place on the outdoor lot.