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Festive Feasts to Family Gatherings: Global Eid Traditions

  • Publish date: since 3 days
Festive Feasts to Family Gatherings: Global Eid Traditions

Eid is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness, bringing families and communities together in vibrant celebrations across the globe. From festive feasts to heartfelt prayers, the Holy Festival is observed in diverse and unique ways, blending tradition with modern-day festivities. Whether it’s the sweet aromas of delicious dishes or the sound of joyous laughter filling the air, Eid traditions never fail to spread warmth and happiness. 

Unique Ways to Celebrate the Holy Festival from Around the World  

As the sun sets on Ramadan, the world comes alive with a multitude of Eid customs that vary from country to country. In some places, the celebration begins with grand parades, while in others, it’s the intimate family gatherings that steal the spotlight. Let’s dive into the colorful traditions of Eid and explore how different cultures come together to mark this auspicious occasion, honoring faith, family, and community.   

  1. United Arab Emirates 

Eid Fireworks

Eid in the UAE is a vibrant celebration where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Men typically wear new white Kandooras, while women dress in special abayas or Eid attire, complete with braids and perfumes, and apply henna to their hands. Children are given new clothes and small gifts, with games, singing, and dancing adding to the festive spirit.  

The holiday begins with early morning prayers, and majlises are filled with guests enjoying sweets, dates, coffee, and tea. While urban areas host grand celebrations, rural communities mark the occasion more modestly, beginning with a simple meal of dates and milk before gathering for prayers. The entire country comes together to celebrate with joy, unity, and shared traditions. 

  1. Saudi Arabia  

Eid in KSA

In Saudi Arabia, Eid Al Fitr begins with special prayers, bringing families and friends together to celebrate. Children receive Eidia gifts, including money, new clothes, and toys. A festive feast follows, featuring traditional dishes like Mugalgal, a spiced lamb dish with tomatoes, and Jareesh, a wheat and meat delicacy. Sweet treats, often made with honey and dates, are an essential part of the celebration. 

As night falls, people dress in their finest new clothes and head out to enjoy fireworks and festivities. The streets come alive with joy as families exchange warm “Eid Mubarak” greetings. It is also common to see women’s hands adorned with intricate henna designs, adding to the beauty and tradition of the occasion. 

  1. Egypt  

Egypt Eid celebrations

In addition, In Egypt, Eid Al Fitr is a time of joy, generosity, and togetherness. Families prepare and enjoy traditional sweet treats at home, such as Maamoul, Kahk, Petit Four, and Ghoriba. A unique tradition involves families gathering at the end of Ramadan to bake these special Eid cookies together. Children receive candy, gifts, and Eidia, while those in need are also given presents and support as an act of kindness. 

The holiday is marked by major family gatherings, often at grandparents' homes, where relatives come together to celebrate. Visiting loved ones, exchanging warm greetings, and handing out small gifts are essential traditions.  

  1. Turkey  

Turkish sweets for Eid

In Turkey, Eid al-Fitr is known as Şeker Bayramı, meaning the "Sugar Feast" due to the abundance of sweets enjoyed during the celebration. The holiday has a lively, carnival-like atmosphere, with parades featuring baklava and traditional treats. It is customary to hand out Turkish delight or small amounts of money at every door, a tradition that has been passed down for generations. 

The day before Eid, shops and markets stay open late for last-minute shoppers looking to buy sweets, new clothes—especially for children—and fragrant cologne. During the feast, families gather to enjoy festive meals, with stuffed vine leaves being a must-have dish for special occasions. 

  1. Indonesia  

Indonesia Eid food

In Indonesia, Eid Al-Fitr (Hari Raya Idul Fitri) is a major celebration, starting with a special morning prayer in mosques and open fields. People often return to their hometowns to celebrate with family in a tradition called mudik. The holiday focuses on forgiveness, as people ask for it from family and friends in the "halal bi halal" ceremony. Giving to charity is also important, with Muslims donating zakat al-fitr to help the less fortunate. 

Food plays a big role in the celebrations, with dishes like ketupat (rice in a palm leaf pouch) and opor ayam (chicken in coconut milk) served in most homes. In some areas, there’s a tradition called Grebeg Syawal, where people celebrate with a large food offering, symbolizing gratitude. The holiday is full of joy, with people visiting neighbors, exchanging gifts, and greeting each other with "Mohon maaf lahir dan batin", asking for forgiveness and wishing peace. 

  1. Morocco 

Morocco Eid feast

During Eid al-Fitr, Morocco’s vibrant culinary dishes take the spotlight. While other countries may focus on gifts and commercial celebrations, Moroccans often enjoy more relaxed, food-centered gatherings after morning prayers. Meals throughout the day feature lamb, couscous, and prunes, followed by traditional cookies and pastries, all shared with family and friends. Food traditions for Eid around the world don't get much better than this. 

  1. Iceland 

Eid cookies

In Iceland, the long fasting hours make Eid al-Fitr celebrations truly special. The festivities are held at one of the few mosques in Reykjavik, where guests bring food inspired by Indonesian, Egyptian, and Eritrean cuisines to mark the occasion. It's a unique blend of cultures and traditions, making Eid celebrations in Iceland unlike anywhere else. 

  1. China  

China  

In China, the Hui Muslim community celebrates Eid al-Fitr with both religious devotion and cultural traditions. After the special Eid prayers, many men visit the historic Niujie Mosque in Beijing, where they light incense at the ‘Sheiks Tombs’ to honor their ancestors and show respect for their faith. This practice is a significant part of the celebration for the Hui Muslims, who have a rich cultural connection to both Islam and Chinese traditions. 

Eid festivities also include family gatherings and feasting. Traditional dishes, such as lamb skewers and pilaf, are enjoyed, along with sweet treats like dates and pastries. The community comes together to share meals, exchange greetings, and spend time with loved ones, making Eid al-Fitr a meaningful and joyous occasion in China. 

To wrap up, Eid al-Fitr is a global celebration that unites people through shared traditions, vibrant feasts, and heartfelt prayers. From festive gatherings in Indonesia to intimate family meals in Morocco, each culture brings its unique touch to the holiday, celebrating faith, family, and generosity. Regardless of location, the spirit of Eid—marked by joy, unity, and gratitude—shines brightly, making it a truly special occasion worldwide. 

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