Sailing into a marriage in Gaza

With the start of spring and in anticipation of the summer season, wedding preparations are in full swing in Gaza. Eid Abu Hassira, a 24-year-old groom, is a Palestinian fisherman and so were his father and grandfather before him. In accordance with their customs and traditions, the fishermen attending the wedding wore their fishermen whites, instead of the traditional garments worn by the groom. They also rode camels, upholding local tradtions.

A fishing boat was also used during processions to bring in the groom, locally known as the “zaffeh”. The boat roamed the streets of Gaza City.

With the great influence of their fishing heritage, the family hope the profession will remain strong despite the ongoing occupation and the many challenges that Gaza’s fishermen frequently face.

Images by MEMO photographer Mohammed Asad.