Mimouna Festival of Neighbors at the Smithsonian 2023, April 16

The Smithsonian NMAA | Sephardic Heritage International (SHIN-DC)/SMOMA Sephardic Museum | Washington DC (DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities)

Presents:

MIMOUNA AT THE SMITHSONIAN

SHIN-DC’S 9TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF GOOD NEIGHBORS

Sunday, April 16, 8-10PM (ET)

PRESS – JTA, Times of Israel, and Arutz Sheva: Because of Sephardic Heritage International SHIN-DC’s hard work, DC declared an official Mimouna day to celebrate end of Passover.
 
Thank you for joining SHIN-DC and the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art for Mimouna Festival of Good Neighbors at the Smithsonian on April 16, 2023: Over 1,000 people joined us for this year’s Mimouna Festival.
 
Thanks to our star Shir Malka Ifrah and the Sahara Band District Ensemble!
 
We received welcoming remarks from the Embassies of Morocco and Israel, as well as a representative from the DC Mayor’s Office. We were also graced with the attendance of Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, US Special Envoy to Combat and Monitor Antisemitism, and dignitaries from various Embassies and the Community.
 
Most importantly, DC showed up and showed out! Many thanks to Mayor Muriel Bowser, event sponsor the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, our Mimouna Committee, community partners, and volunteers. We are also thankful to Kosher Sustenance and Something French for the sweet and delicious Moroccan feast. Thanks to Community Partners Washington Moroccan American Club; JxJ Washington Film and Music Festival; Theater J.

Enjoy videos of the welcoming remarks, music and cooking demo, as well as photos:

FREE OF CHARGE

In Person at the National Museum of African Art, SW DC 20560

–  Smithsonian Metro Station –

(Also Virtual Option)

Celebrate Mimouna and Break the Fast of Ramadan with Us (Dates will be provided for Iftar at the designated time). All are welcome!

  • Enjoy live music (Mezzanine)
  • Special tour of artworks that express the neighborly themes inspired by the Mimouna festival 
  • Moroccan Cooking Demo by Chef Doron Azrad (Pavilion)
  • Enjoy tantalizing dishes: Assorted Moroccan Sweets, Moufletta (thin and delicate Moroccan style crepes with the traditional accompaniments), Sweet Couscous, Naana Mint Tea, Quince and Pixie Eggplant Preserves, Fruit, Nuts (Kosher Sustenance and Something French)

SHIR MALKA IFRAH is a 23-year-old paytanit (liturgical artist) with family roots in Morocco who led the most recent concert in honor of the Jewish High Holidays at the President’s House in Israel. She will be accompanied by the DC-based Sahara Band District Ensemble. This represents a special collaboration of Jewish and Muslim performers from Morocco, Israel and the U.S.

Questions? Email in**@sh****.org

Sponsor: DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities; Lilly Endowment

Community Partners:

Washington Moroccan American Club; JxJ Washington Film and Music Festival; Theater J; Gather DC

SCROLL DOWN TO REGISTER FOR FREE

Traditionally held just after the Jewish holiday Passover, Mimouna originated with North African Jews. It is based on Moroccan and North African interfaith narratives of unity, commemoration, goodwill, and friendship, and marks the advent of spring.

Highlighting the beauty of neighbors living and celebrating together is the very essence of Mimouna.  Shared music and culinary arts are powerful symbols of this theme.

Sephardic Heritage International (SHIN-DC) celebrates ‘Mimouna at the Smithsonian’ and in 2021, the Israeli and Moroccan embassies in Washington hosted their first-ever joint Mimouna celebration in partnership with SHIN-DC and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art. Israel has the largest population of Moroccan Jews in the world, followed by France, Canada and the United States.

MIMOUNA 2022:

Photos: SHIN-DC Mimouna at the Smithsonian 2022

Exhibition PORTALS OF JEWISH MOROCCO – Youth & Synagogues