Local family brings back Ramadan tradition

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Since 2007, Sel and Angie Buyuksarac have welcomed people into their home to celebrate Ramadan.

They’ve hosted hundreds of people for special dinners to break the nightly fast.

Last year, as a precaution due to COVID-19, they canceled the dinners and held a virtual event.

But the couple said they were encouraged to see events returning to the city and decided to bring back their dinners this year, but they are limiting their dinner guests to 10 people a day instead of their usual 20.

Sel Buyuksarac said, “It’s not about the numbers, it’s about the quality conversations.”

The couple said reducing the number of guests will allow everyone to social distance.

Buyuksarac added, “We are not going to sit at the table and do close eating together, if weather permits, we’d love to do it outside.”

Angie Buyuksarac said many people are looking forward to them bringing back the dinners.

They hosted 300 people in 2019. Mrs. Buyuksarac said they will have other safety measures in place and that she and her husband are also vaccinated.

The couple’s “Friendship and Gratitude Dinners” will run from April 13 - May 5.

Cox Media Group