Waterloo region families celebrate Eid al-Adha

It was a day of fun, food and face-painting, as members of Waterloo region's Muslim communities gathered at the Family Centre in Kitchener for a special Eid al-Adha celebration this week.

Hosted by Family and Children's Services of the Waterloo Region, the event was one of many Eid celebrations in the region this week.

The celebration was both a time to come together as a community, and a showcase of diverse talent, including a dance troupe and an African drum circle.

"I want my girls to grow up knowing that Eid is for everyone.Everyone is welcome," said Faraz Shoukat who was celebrating with his family.

Some of the region's newcomer families were celebrating Eid in Canada for the first time.

"[They've] started to build a sense of belonging to the community because they can be part of the celebrations and the events here," said Mary Saleh, coordinator of a community organization that teachesdance and art lessons to newcomer children in the region.

Eid al-Adha ends this evening.