Sultan der Maanden in Antwerp Expo: “We break the iftar together, but above all we want to be a festival for everyone”

“That meeting and being together to break the iftar, or fast, is what this festival is all about,” says Selamet Belkiran, as he gives a short tour of the different stands. These are staffed by Syrians, Turks, Moroccans, Palestinians and Bosnians, among others. There is also a stand where refugees from Ukraine are in charge.

“Although the festival revolves around Ramadan, religion or background is not the only thing that plays a role,” explains Selamet Belkiran. “We prefer to make it a family celebration. And you can see that, there are many families with children.”

Visitors from all over Flanders and the Netherlands

It has been two decades since the festival on Sint-Jansplein started as a small-scale neighborhood event. But that hasn’t been the case for a long time now. Through a number of other locations, we have been at the Antwerp Expo for eight years and have outgrown the neighborhood level. Nowadays we attract people from all over Flanders and even the Netherlands,” says Selamet Belkarim.

The previous edition attracted 19,000 people to the Antwerp Expo. “There are a few fewer this year. The bad weather and the fact that it is back to school and work for everyone tomorrow are undoubtedly a major factor. It does not alter the fact that the festival is still growing and we want to make it a permanent fixture for the entire country more than is already the case,” says Selamet Belkiram.

Entrepreneurs meet each other and sponsor

Although the umbrella organization Bindus is the driving force behind the festival, the annual celebration depends on the support of volunteers and entrepreneurs, who are willing to sponsor the Sultan of the Months. “We receive the support of about fifty volunteers and the number of entrepreneurs who sponsor is increasing. It is partly thanks to them that we do not have to ask the exhibitors for money and can earn money for their association,” Belkiram explains.

At the back of the hall, visitors sit together to eat after the sun has set. Mickey Mouse and a few other Disney characters dance on a large stage. “There will be performances by groups from eighteen different countries,” says Belkiram.

And the entrepreneurs, they make contact with each other. If you look closely, you will even bump into an Antwerp politician. “Still, networking and receiving politicians is not what we are about. It is a pleasant get-together for everyone,” Belkiram added.