Egyptian Revolution Celebrated in Anaheim!

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A small but spirited crowd gathered on Saturday in Anaheim’s –  unofficial but should be official – Little Arabia district to  celebrate  the people’s ouster of the Egyptian autocrat Hosni Mubarak on the previous  day!  Arab-Americans, Latinos, Filipinos and a broad diversity of  people came together to chant for freedom in Egypt  and all across the  MENA (Middle East/North Afrika) The night before, celebrants gathered for the news crews as they patronized the restaurants and other establishments in the plaza. Those who were ready for round two came down at noon time for some more!

In the above video, you will see exuberance exhibited in various chants and songs. It was a joyful and peaceful celebration. The Anaheim Police Department only rolled out one parked car across the street that stayed stationary for hours. No equestrian unit this time around. In a great cultural exchange, jaranas and panderos  intermingled musically on the unusually hot February day with the slogans and songs  of the Arabic language. It was a beautiful moment to behold!

{OJB’s very own Editor-in-Chief!}

The shops of the pan-Arab plaza were pretty much in lockstep solidarity. The Islamic Fashion store – where, before a fire destroyed half of the heart of Little Arabia, the porno store that used to be there stuck out like a sore thumb – was offering Egyptian flags and shawls. (They also have amazingly beautiful Koranic mantle pieces) Food joint Forn Al Hara hung the flag of Egypt next to its Happy Valentine’s day banner while serving up sphihas to hungry celebrants.

With Mubarak gone, may there be more liberation struggles in the MENA and elsewhere to celebrate in the coming future!


About Gabriel San Roman