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The “Ezidi Fasting Feast” is an important religious occasion for the Ezidi community, a group with a long history and rich heritage in Iraq and the region. This feast is one of the most significant religious traditions practiced by Ezidis, combining spirituality with social celebration, giving it a unique character.
What is the Ezidi Fasting Feast?
This feast is a religious occasion celebrated by Ezidis after completing a special fast known as the Êzî Fast. The fast begins on Tuesday and lasts for three consecutive days, during which the faithful abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. The feast comes on the fourth day—the first Friday of the Eastern December—which corresponded to December 19, 2025 in the Gregorian calendar.
The Symbolism of the Êzî Fast
The “Êzî Fast” is attributed to one of the divine beings in the Ezidi belief and symbolizes purification of the soul and closeness to God. It lasts for three consecutive days involving prayer, worship, and spiritual reflection. Fasters abstain from food and drink during daytime and focus on devotion and piety.
Celebratory Rituals of the Ezidi Fasting Feast
The feast carries both spiritual and social dimensions. On the eve of the feast, Ezidis visit the graves of loved ones and distribute food and sweets as charity for their souls. They also perform collective prayers in sacred sites, asking God for peace and safety. People wear their bright traditional clothing and gather in an atmosphere filled with joy and spirituality.
The Importance of the Feast for Ezidis
The Ezidi Fasting Feast is not only a religious event but also an opportunity to reconnect with spiritual values and strengthen social bonds. It reflects the Ezidis’ deep attachment to their traditions and identity and emphasizes values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence within Iraqi society.
Other Fasts Preceding the Feast
In addition to the Êzî Fast, Ezidis observe other fasts earlier in the month:
The Şêşims Fast: three days in the first week of the month.
The Xudan Fast: observed in the second week, expressing reverence for divine beings and spiritual connection.
The Place of Ezidis in Iraq
Ezidis are an indigenous component of Iraqi society, living in northern Iraq for centuries and preserving a rich cultural and religious heritage. Despite major challenges, including genocide and displacement, they continue to hold firmly to their faith and identity.
The Feast’s Message to the World
The Ezidi Fasting Feast serves as a reminder of the importance of peaceful coexistence and recognition of religious and cultural diversity. Through this occasion, Ezidis share their values and beliefs with the world, affirming that religion can be a bridge for connection, not division.
This feast is not only a religious occasion but also a celebration of identity, history, and tradition. It reflects the spirit of tolerance and joy that Ezidis strive to spread within their community and among other Iraqi groups. With the official recognition of this day as a holiday for the community, Ezidis renew their hope for greater inclusion and active participation in building a united and prosperous Iraq.