Mimouna

Culture of origin: Jewish · Cultural

Holiday sources: Israel · Judaism

Mimouna is the celebration of the Jews of the Maghreb, above all Morocco, on the evening Passover ends, when households return to leavened food. Families keep open house with tables of sweets and mufleta, a thin pancake spread with butter and honey, and visit their neighbours with blessings for a prosperous year. Brought to Israel by Moroccan immigrants, its parties and picnics are now a fixture of Israeli life. This date is the day after the eight-day Passover kept outside Israel; in Israel, where Passover lasts seven days, it is held a day earlier.