11.   Monday, Novoslobodskaya market was heaving with people in heavy overcoats and fur hats, struggling to buy canned salmon and mayonnaise for the festive meal.

12.   On Christmas Eve, the pope regularly meets with fellow Poles for a festive meal, breaking a wafer-like bread that is part of Polish tradition.

13.   The Passover night festive meal, called the seder, symbolizes the ultimate liberation for all people in all places in all times.

14.   The Muslim call to prayer began echoing from minarets as families sat down to their festive meal after sundown.

15.   Then they break the fast with special prayers and a traditional taste of dates and water, followed by a festive evening meal with family or friends.

16.   Weekend breakfasts are the festive meal in the house, Minushkin said.

17.   Asleh and several of his Jewish mates from camp were gathered around a table for a festive meal.

18.   But by sundown Friday, Israeli streets were empty with most people filed into synagogues and families shared a festive meal to celebrate the new year.

19.   Festive meal packages will also be available soon.

20.   Israelis on Monday celebrated the Jewish holiday of Sukkot with festive meals served up in hut-like structures built on urban balconies and suburban backyards.