In a rented garden room near Marble Arch in central London, a festive atmosphere prevails, reminiscent of traditional Moroccan celebrations. Guests arrive adorned in flowing kaftans, while tables are adorned with honey-drenched sesame sweets and stacks of pancakes known as mufletta and msemen. Conversations flow in Moroccan Arabic, English, and French.
This gathering is not merely a Moroccan party; it is the celebration of Mimouna, a distinctive Moroccan Jewish event that marks the conclusion of Passover.
During the week of Passover, observant Jews abstain from consuming leavened foods to commemorate the exodus from Egypt. The celebration of Mimouna commences immediately after the holiday, symbolizing the return of leavened bread—bread that has risen—embodying a spirit of generosity and community.
Traditionally, doors are left open to welcome friends, neighbors, and even strangers to partake in the food, a practice rooted in centuries of coexistence between Jewish and Muslim communities in Morocco.
Stephanie Laurent organized this celebration for the first time in London, honoring her late mother and aiming to highlight the city’s small Moroccan Jewish community. „Growing up, Mimouna was always one of the most joyful moments of the year. I wanted to recreate that feeling here not just for Moroccan Jews, but to share it with other Moroccans and those outside the community,“ she stated.
Laurent noted that prior to Brexit, the Moroccan Jewish community in London was larger, with many members coming from France. „Even though we are fewer now, I feel Mimouna is slowly becoming known among other Jewish communities in the city,“ she added. „In Israel, France, and Morocco, the Mimouna parties are huge, but here in London, it’s just starting to emerge and gain recognition.“
Liliane Harris, another attendee, remarked on the growth of the community since her arrival in London 50 years ago when there were only four Moroccan Jewish families. „But now this number has increased into the hundreds,“ she said. „Mimouna is something very special for us, and it’s great to bring a bit of this Moroccan tradition into the city. I have grandchildren who were born and raised here, but Morocco is still part of them.“
Understanding the Significance of Mimouna
The history of Moroccan Jews spans over two millennia. Although many emigrated from Morocco in the mid-20th century to countries like Israel and France, smaller communities have established themselves in cities such as London, bringing their customs along.
According to Michel Dadoun, who leads the Moroccan Jewish synagogue Porat Yosef in Hendon, northwest London, Mimouna is fundamentally about sharing. „Mimouna is about opening your home and your heart,“ he explained. „During Passover, we don’t eat anything leavened. Back in Morocco, as soon as Passover ends, our Muslim neighbors bring us flour, a tradition that has persisted since the 18th century.“
Dadoun emphasized that the celebration represents coexistence, reminding participants of the communities living side by side and supporting one another in simple yet meaningful ways. While the exact number of Moroccan Jews in London remains unclear, Dadoun noted that hundreds attend his synagogue weekly, and the community continues to grow.
Hospitality, Food, and Music
As the celebration in Marble Arch progresses, the atmosphere becomes increasingly lively. One guest remarked, „You can’t come to a Mimouna party and be on a diet. Moroccan culture is all about hospitality, good food, and good Moroccan music.“
Beyond the music and culinary delights, Mimouna is rich in symbolism. Dr. Vanessa Paloma Elbaz, a lecturer specializing in oral Moroccan history at Cambridge University, whose family hails from Tetouan in northern Morocco, elaborated on the deeper meanings behind the items presented on the table. „The plate itself tells a story,“ she noted. „The eggs, which are always five, represent fertility and the cycle of life. We also place five coins for prosperity, and flour and oil symbolize abundance after a week of restriction. We also add five beans.“
Elbaz continued, „Everything has to be leavened again—msemen, baghrir [both types of pancakes], all the things we couldn’t eat during Passover. Honey is placed on the lettuce as a blessing for a sweet year, usually by the matriarch of the house. Some families prepare zabadon, made from whipped egg whites and sugar, while others place a leaven starter on the table to be used for baking challah throughout the year, linking the celebration to the months ahead.“
She added, „During Mimouna, traditional Moroccan music is played. Music and food go hand in hand.“ This year, Mimouna was celebrated on April 9, and according to Stephanie, „in true Moroccan fashion, celebrations continue for several days, with families and friends visiting one another’s homes.“
Another guest remarked, „With everything going on in such a divisive world, we could all do with a little bit of Mimouna.“
