Ftoor of togetherness and Tarab Andaloussi in Morocco

As most Muslim countries, the North African nation of Morocco also has its own set of traditions and customs during Ramadan, which includes Ftoor and the preparation of djellabas.
In Morocco, Iftar is more commonly called Ftoor, the same word used for breakfast. Dates, milk, juices, and sweets typically provide the sugar surge needed to make it through the day.
Ftoor is a special celebration for families to eat and get-together, listening to the Holy Quran, or to Tarab Andaloussi (Moroccan classical music). The gatherings are usually attended by many people and hence the food is served on three to four tables.
Ramadan is a special treat for young children as they get a lot of traditional treats throughout the month. Mothers are busy stocking their pantries to have the essential ingredients on hand.
The sounding of a cannon or the blowing of a horn by a nafar (a town crier) to awaken families for Suhoor/Ftoor is another popular Moroccan tradition. Another cannon, accompanied by the call for the dawn prayer alerts Moroccans to begin their fast.
'Zowaka' is a traditional practice to alert Muslims of Ftoor in Morocco. An air raid siren is heard, announcing the end of the fast. Nowadays, siren has been replaced by a recorded sound, aired on national TV or radio.
Many Moroccans have the annual habit of buying or making new traditional cloaks, or djellabas in time for Ramadan.
Some of the most popular Ramadan treats in Morocco include Chebakia - the famous tressed cookies soaked in honey -, Krachel, Harira, Briwat, Mini-Bastilla, Salloo, Rziza, Mssamen, Malwi, Baghrir and Harsha among others.
Traditionally the fast is ended with a bowl of harira and dates. Hard-boiled eggs, sweet or savory-filled pastries (briouats), fried fish and various pancakes and flatbreads are also served.
(Compiled by Yousuf Saifuddin)