In striving to recreate a Moroccan atmosphere to alleviate homesickness, they gather around Iftar tables reminiscent of the warmth they lack when they’re away from their home country.

"Nothing can replace the family warmth, but we have become accustomed over the years to share the Iftar to create, as much as possible, the lost atmosphere and mitigate the sense of disorientation", says Hassan T., who works for a telecommunications company to MAP news agency.

This man of Casablanca aged 41 years evokes the constraints of his work that each year prevents him from spending Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr with his family in Morocco.

Not the same case for Said C., a native of Salé. This manager of a local steel shop is about to return to his home country with his small family to spend the last week of the month of fasting and the celebration of Eid.

The holy month of Ramadan also offers comfort to a true Moroccan diaspora deep-rooted in its traditions, which gathers around Iftar tables in a friendly and almost family-like atmosphere to share traditional dishes and delicacies specific to this blessed month such as "Harira" "Chabakia", "Baghrir" Rghayef and "Sfouf".

In order to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and synergy between members of the Moroccan community in Los Angeles, the Moroccan-American Association of California has been organizing every year collective Iftars.

"It’s a moment of joy to see dozens of Moroccans gathered with their small families, in search of this atmosphere of conviviality and fraternity particular to our citizens," says the President of the Association, El Abdellilah Hardouzi.

In addition, many Islamic centers in Los Angeles also organize collective Iftars for the Muslim community, the perfect opportunity to come together and know each other.

According to official data, California has the largest Muslim community in the United States, most residing in Southern California.

Although Ramadan coincides with the summer solstice, with 16 hours of fasting, it is not as challenging this year, since the heat is less oppressive and is without much impact on work, because after all, you need to have a strong psyche, say the Moroccan expatriates.

But the holy month is above all that a month of piety, benevolence and recitation of the Holy Quran. Thus Islamic centers intensify the Koran exegesis courses and lectures on topics of a general nature or relating to fasting and its virtues.