The "Gadona" or the (children's) celebration that announces the advent of the blessed month of Ramadan.

Date de l'événement : 2025-02-16

This morning on 14/02/2025, Djiboutian children, especially those from the historic Ambouli neighborhood, woke up well-dressed, Koffas (baskets) in hand, celebrating Gadona. Also known as "shabania," Gadona is actually an unofficial but traditional mini "religious" festival that marks the 15th day of the month of Shaaban. It involves announcing the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan, expected at the end of the following fifteen days. During this celebration, chanting "Gadona Gadona," children visit neighboring families who, in turn, offer them candies , biscuits , popcorn, and drinks. This is therefore an ancestral tradition passed down from father to son in Ambouli and in some countries like Yemen. Moreover, it is from this date that the countdown begins in mosques to wish and repeat for fifteen days the welcome to the month of Ramadan. Happy celebration to the children and welcome to the sacred month of Ramadan! Translation : Nouria Omar Gaber