Celebrating Eid al-Fitr around the world

Muslims all over the world will be celebrating Eid al-Fitr with friends and family as they mark the end of Ramadan, as the month of fasting from dawn till dusk draws to an end. Muslims use the month of Ramadan to abstain from food during sunlight, as well as spiritual reflection and delve deeper into prayer.

Eid al-Fitr is a chance to gather with loved ones and celebrate with lots of delicious food. Several countries around the world celebrate differently with various traditions, here are how some mark the occasion around the globe. 

Turkey

Turkey is home to the famous term ‘Sugar Feast’ when it comes to celebrating Eid al-Fitr, as those celebrating gather to enjoy sweet treats such as baklava and Turkish delight.

The Turkish population is majority Muslim, with 98% practicing Islam, so Eid is a massive event across the country with nearly a week-long public holiday to enjoy the celebrations.

Most people celebrate at home with their families and friends, whilst others will head to the beach to enjoy the long days of sunshine filled with local, delicious cuisine and make up for the past 30 days of fasting! 

Egypt

Egypt goes all out for Eid with a 3-day public holiday that commences with traditional prayers early in the morning on the first day of celebrations.

Large gatherings take place with family members across the country gathering together. Both young and old make the most of the joyous festivities by spending some fun quality time together, younger children will also receive a small monetary gift from older relatives as a small Eid gift.

These massive family gatherings don’t just happen at home, as many Egyptians enjoy heading out to local parks, gardens and zoos to bask in the celebrations with their local community. 

Saudi Arabia

The Middle East has quite similar celebrations when it comes to Eid al-Fitr, so Saudi Arabia tends to mark the occasion similarly to its neighbouring nations. The day usually starts with Eid prayers, followed by big gatherings filled with delicious feasts.

One of the most traditional dishes enjoyed at Eid by Saudis is mugalgal which is chopped lamb meat with fresh tomatoes, onions and green peppers fried with spices. An array of desserts are also enjoyed such as honey and dates cookies; another reason why Eid is referred to as the ‘Sugar Feast, or as Saudis like to call it, ‘Sweet Eid.’

The first night of Eid is marked by those celebrating wearing their finest, new clothes, and watching a spectacular show of fireworks with the rest of their community. Another unique tradition that takes place in Saudi Arabia is leaving large quantities of food outside the gates of those less fortunate as a way to give back and make sure they too can celebrate. 

United Arab Emirates

Eid al-Fitr celebrations in the UAE look very similar to the festivities that happen in Saudi Arabia, with the day starting with early morning prayers in the mosque, followed by feasts and gift-giving amongst loved ones.

People will also gather in the evening with the wider community to enjoy firework displays, cultural events, dance shows and more.

Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating Eid al-Fitr this weekend, from everyone here at Heathrow.