Easter, Passover, Ramadan
celebrated via flash mobs

Holidays of the three major monotheistic religions coincide in April

By Byron Toben

April 12, 2022

Nowhere in the old testament, the new testament, nor the Koran – the key books for the three major monotheistic religions – is it written, “Go thou and assemble yon onlookers to joyously dance in praise of us.”

Yet, the passage of thousands of years and the advent of modern technology has resulted in the emergence of public “flash mobs” for all three.

As this year marks the coincidence of all three celebrating overlapping major holidays during April, it seems a propitious time to sample each.

The Muslim holiday of Ramadan takes place during the whole month of April, ending with Eid on April 30. Witness this Coca-Cola flash mob in Cairo, Egypt:

The Jewish holiday of Passover takes place from the evening of April 15 to the evening of April 23 (8 days). Witness this Matzoh dancing Salsa in Paris, France:

The Christian holy week of Easter begins with Palm Sunday on April 10 and culminates on Easter Monday, April 18. Witness this three-in-one trinity of groups in Houston (Texas), Bern (Switzerland) and Berdychif (Ukraine):

Most of all, in witnessing, do not confuse solemnity with profundity. Profundity can also be found in enjoyment. So… enjoy!

Feature image: dates by Meruyert Gonullu, Pexels; matzo by cottonbro, Pexels; coloured eggs by Roman Odintsov, Pexels

More articles from Byron Toben

Byron Toben, a past president of The Montreal Press Club, has been WestmountMag.ca’s theatre reviewer since July 2015. Previously, he wrote for since terminated web sites Rover Arts and Charlebois Post, print weekly The Downtowner and print monthly The Senior Times. He also is an expert consultant on U.S. work permits for Canadians.