By John McNamara
Saturday, March 7th was one of those days when New Britain lived up to being known as a “city for all people” with two annual faith and cultural celebrations
In the morning the city’s contingent to the 54th Greater Hartford Saint Patrick’s Day Parade organized by the Central Connecticut Irish Cultural Committee joined with Hartford and surrounding towns for the march from the State Capitol to Main and Asylum streets in downtown Hartford. The parade comes 10 days ahead of the Feast of Saint Patrick on March 17 with New Haven’s scheduled for March 14 and New York City’s oldest and largest on the day itself.
The New Britain contingent was led by honorary Town Marshal Patrick Dorsey and Town Honoree John Whalen and involved the New Britain High School marching band, police and fire departments, the New Britain Public Library, Mayor Bobby Sanchez and Common Council members. For a second year the city’s Irish heritage float “The Faces of Ireland” was recognized with the First Place ribbon.
“From Friday’s Irish Flag Raising in Central Park to joining the Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade, it was a wonderful opportunity to recognize and honor the history, culture, and lasting contributions of the Irish community in our city and across our region,” said Mayor Bobby Sanchez.
In the evening, The Islamic Association of Central Connecticut welcomed the community to the annual Taste of Ramadan for a breaking of fast (Iftar) meal at sunset during Ramadan at the New Britain High School cafeteria. Mayor Sanchez thanked the leaders and members of the Masjid Al-Taqwa mosque on Arch Street for organizing the free dinner of Halal dishes and promoting fellowship and understanding during Ramadan, Islam’s month for prayer and fasting.
The month of Ramadan began on February 17th and ends on March 18th this year.
New Britain is home to a growing Muslim population including many immigrants from Yemen, the war-torn nation in the southern Arabian Peninsula,” according to a story on the 2023 Taste of Ramadan event quoting a school official. “Students from more than 700 Arabic families are enrolled in the New Britain School District, according to Najal Jahaf, a public-school communications assistant, who helped organize the event and works with families and students in their transition into school and community in a new country.”
Related post; https://nbpoliticus.com/2023/03/16/taste-of-ramadan-event-at-high-school-calls-attention-to-yemens-civil-war/
John McNamara is Ward 4 Alderman and the Common Council Majority Leader.
NB Politicus posts also appear in the New Britain Progressive
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