How is Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrated Around the World?

Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the two major festivals in the Muslim calendar, with Eid meaning festivities and Fitr meaning the breaking of a fast. The word is derived from Arabic and refers to the two- to three-day celebrations that follow the month of fasting—Ramadan—after the moon’s sighting. Muslims across the world celebrate the occasion following their unique traditions. So, if you want to know how Eid is celebrated around the world, you’re at the right place. Here’s a detailed compilation of Eid celebrations around the world!

EID CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD

The festival of Eid usually means wearing new clothes, eating delicious food, exchanging gifts, and attending family gatherings, where both young and old rejoice while also thanking Allah for His blessings. Let’s now discuss some Eid traditions around the world in detail that differ by region but encompass the same feelings of joy across the globe.

Eid in UAE

Eid is one of the most significant events in the UAE. It marks the end of Ramadan, and the preparations begin several days before the festival. People decorate their homes with ornaments and lights, buy new clothes, and prepare traditional sweets. On the morning of Eid, Muslims gather for their prayers. After prayers, people exchange gifts, share meals, and participate in public festivities such as fireworks, cultural shows, and carnivals. 

Eid marks a time for families, friends, and communities to come together and celebrate with a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Charity is an essential part of the celebration in the UAE, and Muslims are encouraged to give to the less fortunate during Ramadan and Eid. The government, as well as various charitable organizations, distribute food, clothes, and money to ensure that everyone can participate in the festivities.

Eid in AFRICA

African countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Somalia, South Africa, Nigeria, and several others, celebrate Eid in a similar fashion with prayers in the morning at the local mosques before the grand family get-together, where local foods play a dominant role. In Morocco, men and women wear traditional dresses, and Moroccan Pancakes serve as a breakfast staple, accompanied by their famous mint tea. In Somalia, Halvo is enjoyed as the dessert of the day.

Meanwhile, in Egypt, cuisine featuring fish is the highlight of the celebrations along with other traditional delicacies like Kahk, which is a nut-filled cookie, often made at home for Eid. Children receive gifts and money from their elders and many people visit cultural sites, opt for a cruise on the River Nile, or head to seaside resorts for the duration of the holidays after spending a day with the family. Storytellers also roam the streets during Eid, entertaining kids with folktales.

Eid in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, Eid celebrations start with the sighting of the new moon. Muslims offer Eid prayers in mosques or large open spaces, and then greet each other by saying “Eid Mubarak”. People visit their relatives and friends, and have a feast. They also give gifts to children and the elderly. Saudis also participate in traditional activities such as falconry, camel races, and traditional dances. Other festivities include fireworks, cultural shows, and other entertainment activities.

Eid in Turkey

In Turkey, Eid is called Şeker Bayramı, which means “Sugar Feast.” This name reflects the sweet treats that are an integral part of the celebration. Turkish people start the day by washing and putting on their new clothes. They then visit their elders to seek their blessings and forgiveness. Children receive sweets and money from their elders. Turkish people also prepare traditional dishes such as baklava and halva.

Eid in New Zealand

In New Zealand, Eid is celebrated with morning prayers in mosques or outdoor locations, followed by community gatherings and feasts where families exchange gifts and share traditional foods. Recently, public Eid festivals have become more popular in major cities such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. These festivals feature cultural performances, food stalls, and activities for children. In Auckland, the festivities begin with morning prayers and cleansing, followed by a fun-filled event at Eden Park featuring carnival activities such as mechanical bulls, human foosball, and food vendors selling delicious treats from around the region. These celebrations reflect a blend of Muslim cultural traditions and the wider New Zealand community, demonstrating the country’s diversity and inclusiveness.

how Eid is celebrated in Indonesia

In Indonesia, Eid is called Hari Raya Idul Fitri. The celebration begins with the takbir, a call to prayer, and the Eid prayer is usually held in large open spaces. After the prayer, people visit their relatives and friends, and seek forgiveness from each other. In Indonesia, people also have the tradition of mudik, which means returning to one’s hometown for the holidays. The mudik tradition is so important that the government provides free transportation to make it easier for people to travel.

Eid al-Fitr in Pakistan

In Pakistan, Eid is called Eid ul-Fitr. The celebration starts with the sighting of the new moon. On the day of Eid. Therefore, Eid is celebrated by people wear new clothing and offer Eid prayers in mosques or open spaces. After the prayer, people visit their relatives and friends and exchange gifts. Pakistani Muslims also prepare traditional dishes such as biryani, kheer, and sheer khurma to mark the celebrations.

How Eid is celebrated in Iceland

Although Muslims in Iceland are still a minority, the community is growing. They participate in the dusk-to-dawn fast during Ramadan leading up to the unique celebration of Eid. How Eid is celebrated in Iceland? This celebration takes place in one of Reykjavik’s few mosques where guests enjoy an international buffet of delicious foods. Since Iceland’s summer days are longer than usual, Muslims fast up to 22 hours a day. However, Islamic scholars have suggested breaking the fast based on the timing of sunrise and sunset of timezone of nearest country. Children wear their best clothes and exchange gifts during the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr.

How Eid is celebrated in MUSLIM-MINORITY COUNTRIES

Muslim minorities in the UK, the US, Australia, Canada, and Europe all celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in a similar fashion. Attending prayers at their local mosques or Islamic centers before greeting members of the community. It’s important to note that Eid is not a public holiday in these countries. Many Muslims choose to take the day off.

After the prayers, families close by gather at the home of one relative. Everyone brings one dish cooked from home and representative of their home country. They spend the day together in the spirit of the festival, following traditions and customs from back home.

Muslims all over the world participate in Eid prayers on the first day of Eid. They also cook special meals and sweets for the day, clean their homes, and wear new or clean clothes. Eid traditions around the world differ as per the region or country you’re in.

So no matter where you are, celebrate the festival of Eid with your loved ones and stay blessed! Eid Mubarak!

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