More than 300 to 400 Wagga residents brought Henschke Primary School to life on Friday night, for a feast and celebration. 

More than 69 Yazidi families, their friends and guests joined in a “break of the fast” following a the Three Day Fast of December. 

It is a tradition all Yazidis are expected to observe from dawn until sunset. 

But it is a celebration that would have come at a price in their home country. 

Multicultural Council of Wagga manager Belinda Crain has assisted in the settlement of the Yazidis in Wagga since 2016. 

She said they were still one of the most persecuted groups in society. 

“To Muslim extremists, they are known as the people of no book,” Ms Crain said. “It’s not convert or die for the Yazidis. It’s just die.”

With a new found freedom and safety in Wagga, Ms Crain said the Yazidis were able to dance, celebrate and feast without fear. 

“They are very grateful to be in Australia,” she said. “They are also mindful that people are still suffering in Iraq.” 

She said the break of the Three Day Fast was like “our Christmas”.