Culture

Over 19,000 Moroccans sign petition to cancel ‘Oktoberfest Beer Festival’

Published

2 years ago

August 3, 2022

More than 19,000 Moroccans have signed a petition calling for the cancellation of the annual ‘Beer Festival Oktoberfest’ scheduled to be held in Bouskoura, near Casablanca on October 28.

The protest which has gathered wide acceptance in just a few days, was initiated by the Arabic for Identity Consolidation Forum, the Muntada Taaziz Al Huwiya, which kicked against the organisation of the beer festival in Morocco, saying the kingdom is the “country of Islam and the Emirate of the Faithful”.

“At the Identity Consolidation Forum, we consider this initiative to be a heinous act in conflict with Moroccan laws, Islamic law, and Moroccan customs,” the petition said.

The Forum also based its opposition of the event on its tradition of serving Bavarian foods made of pork which is forbidden in the North African country.

The petition organizers says its aim is to halt the organization of Oktoberfest through the collection of 25,000 signatures and the target is getting closer.

The Identity Consolidation Forum has urged the public to protest against Morocco’s hosting the Oktoberfest by rallying behind its petition, and argue that the organizers “should respect the peculiarities of the countries in which their institutions operate.”

The Oktoberfest Beer Festival which has its origin in Munich, Germany, is seen as the world’s largest beer festival which is celebrated in several parts of the world in October.

The two-week-long folk festival dates back to October 12, 1810, commemorating the marriage of King Louis I to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, and while it originally celebrated a royal marriage tie, the festival gradually transformed into a big food and drinks festivity by the late 20th century.

The 2022 festival which is scheduled to take place between September 17, and October 1, is expected to attract more than six million beer lovers.

Related Topics:Featured Morocco Oktoberfest Petition

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Culture

Egypt unveils stamp to mark 100th anniversary of relationship with Brazil

Published

18 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Egyptian Post Board has unveiled a stamp to mark its 100th anniversary of relations with Brazil.

The commemorative stamp which was unveiled on Thursday, is designed with an artistic image that contains some of the famous tourist attractions in both countries.

With a size of 4 cm by 6 cm,
the stamp is insured against counterfeiting, multi-colored, and is value 10 Egyptian pounds.

According to Dr. Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post Board of Directors, the stamp is equipped with QR Code technology, with the aim of creating a “rich interactive experience for those who possess them, enabling them to acquire the necessary knowledge about this occasion in an innovative and attractive way.”

“Egyptian-Brazilian relations are characterized by mutual trust, and close and constructive cooperative relations,” Dr. Farouk said.

He further explained that during the past years, Egypt and Brazil were able to develop means of cooperation to include many fields, which informed the idea by Egyptian Post to take the initiative of issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Egyptian-Brazilian relations

“The anniversary stamp has the aim of strengthening the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he stated.

Dr. Farouk added that commemorative stamp is an important means of cultural communication between different countries of the world, and document the history of nations throughout the ages.

“Therefore, the Egyptian Post is always keen to issue commemorative stamps on important events and occasions to document and commemorate those events,” he noted.

Culture

Ghanaians celebrate return of Asante Gold artefacts looted by British

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Ghanaians, especially those from the ancient Asante region, have been in joyous mood as they flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the region, to welcome the 32 golden artefacts which were returned to the Kingdom in a loan deal by the United Kingdom after they were looted about 150 years ago.

The agreement to loan back the artefacts to their original owners for an initial period of three years was reached between two British museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum, and the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a possible of further extending the loan period.

The returned precious items have been on display at palace museum since they were returned and have been a source of joy for the people as they troop in daily to see and have a feel of their ancient history.

The return of the artefacts also coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.

Some of the items, described by as “Ghana’s crown jewels” were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.

Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) which were given to a British diplomat in 1817.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who spoke on the significance of the returned items, said the dignity of the Kingdom has been restored.

“This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back.

“We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects.

“These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation,” the King added.