Homs, April, 21(SANA) In Homs, the annual “Sweet Thursday,” a tradition in which Halawa takes on a role beyond food, linking families and communities across generations.
During the occasion, households prepare and exchange a variety of Homs-style sweets as symbolic gifts that reflect affection and kinship, maintaining a strong presence in the city’s social life.
Local artisans say the craft has been passed down through generations, noting that the event — held on the second or third Thursday of April — is widely anticipated as relatives and friends gather to exchange sweets.
Homs-style sweets include a range of varieties such as Pashmina sweet, sesame-based types, Ghraybeh and walnut sweets, alongside fried dough soaked in syrup and packaged for longer storage. Some are made with animal-based ghee, others with vegetable oils.
Producers note that continuing the craft, despite rising costs, reflects a commitment to preserving heritage and passing it to younger generations.
Residents say the occasion goes beyond sharing sweets, serving as a moment to strengthen family ties and social connections. Sweets are also distributed in charitable acts, including offerings made in memory of the deceased.
The tradition has gained recognition beyond Syria, extending to neighboring countries and parts of the Arab region due to its distinctive character.
It remains a cultural marker for Homs, connecting its past with present-day community life.
R.k
