Eid festivities highlight community hopes in Khor Al-Zubair

BASRA – In a sandy square of Khor Al-Zubair district in southwestern Basra province, families gathered to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, filling the air with laughter and excitement. Children joyfully moved between basic funfair attractions like iron wind wheels and simple swings, turning the square into an impromptu carnival. Despite the festive atmosphere, local residents expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of entertainment options in the area.

Speaking to for 964media, Hussein Khaldoun, a ride operator, expressed the community’s longing for more attractions, suggesting the need for a water amusement park and family-friendly spaces to enhance the celebration experience.

For many families, however, the humble square has become a cherished tradition during Eid festivities.

Basim Younis, a longtime resident, shared his sentiments with 964media, remarking, ” These days are enjoyable and we look forward to them. Every year, we rejoice with our children, even if the offerings are modest and not quite what we aspire for.”

Reflecting on the enduring bond with the square, Younis nostalgically recounted, ” I once played in this square with these same games when I was a child, and now I bring my children here.”

Echoing Younis’s sentiment, Kazem Khalifa, a ride contractor, emphasized the importance of affordable entertainment, noting that all the games were priced at no more than a thousand dinars (approximately $0.70), catering to the financial constraints of many families in the area.

“What truly matters,” Khalifa affirmed, “is the joy and delight we witness on the faces of the children.”