Israel Mimouna Pictures

Mimouna is a traditional North African Jewish celebration held the day after Passover. It marks the start of spring and the return to eating chametz, i.e., leavened bread and bread by-products, which are forbidden throughout the week of Passover. Some believe the source of the name is Maimon, the father of the Rambam, Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon, and the Mimouna marks the date of his birth or death. In Israel, the Mimouna has become a popular annual happening featuring outdoor parties, picnics and BBQs. After settling in Israel, Jewish immigrants from North Africa celebrated the Mimouna with their families. In 1966, it was introduced as a national holiday, and has been adopted by other ethnic groups, mainly in the Mizrahi sector.The celebration begins after nightfall on the last day of Passover. Moroccan and Algerian Jews throw open their homes to visitors, after setting out a lavish spread of traditional holiday cakes and sweetmeats. One of the holiday favorites is Mufleta.[1] The table is also laid with various symbols of luck and fertility, with an emphasis on the number "5," such as 5 pieces of gold jewelry or 5 beans arranged on a leaf of pastry. Over the last few decades, the Mimouna has become a public relations tool for Israeli politicians, who use it as an opportunity to mingle with the masses and drum up public support. Photos by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye