Iraqis celebrate addition of Khidr Elias feast to UNESCO heritage list
UNESCO's addition of Iraq's Khidr Elias feast to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List is reviving interest in the religious and social tradition.
BAGHDAD — City officials plan to renovate the Al-Khidr shrine in Baghdad now that UNESCO has added the Khidr Elias feast to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The Council of Baghdad is allocating funds from the 2017 budget to develop the shrine, according to Adel al-Saidi, a member of the council's Services Committee.
The project will include restoring and expanding the shrine, establishing service facilities and paving the road leading up to the shrine, in addition to designing and installing a garden there. "A national day for the festival will also be set for all Iraqis of different beliefs to celebrate it,” Saidi said.
