Al-Khidr Festival
Al-Khidr Festival is a festival of the Druze community in Israel celebrated on 25 January. It includes a pilgrimage by community members to the Maqam Al-Khidr in the Kfar Yassif near Acre.
On the morning of the festival, it is customary to hold festive meals with traditional dishes such as Ka'ak Al-Ajweh and Baba Ghanoush. The way to greet the celebrants is with "Ziara Makbula".
In Israel, Druze employees are entitled to take time off from work during the festival without loss of pay.
Nabi Al-Khidr
Sidna Abu Ibrahim, also known as Nabi Al-Khidr, is identified with Elijah the prophet. According to Druze belief, he is one of the founders of their religion. The nickname El-Khidr comes from the belief that his memory will always be fresh like a green plant.Another interpretation is based on a Muslim legend identifying Elijah the prophet with Khidr, who was the vizier of Alexander the Great. According to the legend, Khidr was immortal and possessed extraordinary wisdom after drinking from the Fountain of Life.
Saint George is described as a prophetic figure in Druze sources; and in some sources he is identified with Elijah, and in others as al-Khidr. The Druze version of the story of al-khidr was syncretized with the story of Saint George and the Dragon. Druze, like some Christians, believe that Elijah came back as John the Baptist, since they believe in reincarnation and the transmigration of the soul, Druze believe that El Khidr and John the Baptist are one and the same; along with Saint George.