Fascinating Destinations to Experience Eid Al-fitr
Eid al-Fitr, also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most significant events celebrated in the Islamic calendar. This special occasion marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a time when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs.
Eid al-Fitr starts with the sighting of the new moon and is seen as a time of joy, togetherness, celebration, and gratitude, where people gather with family and friends to share meals, exchange gifts, and enjoy festivities to mark the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, charity, and prayer.
As Eid al-Fitr approaches, travellers from all over the world gear up for a unique cultural experience. Take a look at some of the best destinations to celebrate Eid al-Fitr and what they do to mark this special occasion.
The Maldives is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and luxurious resorts. During Eid al-Fitr, Male, the capital city of the Maldives, comes alive with festivities, and locals celebrate with colourful parades and traditional performances. The streets are decorated with lights, and there are fireworks displays every night. If you’d like to relax, soak up the sun and experience a unique cultural celebration, the Maldives is the perfect place to be.
Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, and Eid al-Fitr is a major event here. The country is made up of over 17,000 islands, each with its own unique culture and traditions. The country’s diverse population celebrates Eid in different ways, but one thing that unites them is the tradition of “mudik.”
Mudik is an annual exodus of people from cities to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families. During this time, the roads and airports are packed with travellers, creating a festive atmosphere. If you’re in Indonesia for Eid, be sure to try some of the traditional dishes like ketupat (rice cake) and opor ayam (chicken curry). In the capital city, Jakarta, there are special Eid al-Fitr markets selling traditional foods and crafts.
Malaysia is another Muslim-majority country that celebrates Eid in a big way. The country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, is known for its colourful street decorations and festive atmosphere during the holiday. Visitors can enjoy traditional Malay dishes like rendang (spicy meat curry) and lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo) while watching cultural performances and fireworks displays.
Egypt is home to one of the oldest Islamic civilisations in the world, and Eid is an important holiday in the country. During the holiday, the streets of Cairo are decorated with colourful lights and traditional lanterns called fanoos.
The country’s iconic landmarks, such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, are illuminated with colourful lights, creating a beautiful spectacle. Visitors can witness the grand Eid prayer at the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo and enjoy delicious Egyptian cuisine like koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta) and ful medames (fava bean stew).
Morocco is a popular destination for Muslim travellers during Eid, thanks to its rich Islamic heritage and vibrant culture. The country’s cities like Marrakech and Casablanca are known for their colourful street decorations and festive atmosphere during the holiday. If you’re travelling to Morocco soon, be sure to try out the traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine (slow-cooked stew) and couscous while watching cultural performances and fireworks displays.
Zanzibar is a small island off the coast of Tanzania, known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and historical sites. During Eid al-Fitr, the island comes alive with festivities, and locals celebrate with music, dancing, and feasting. There are special prayers held at the mosques, and many families come together for a big meal.
One of the traditional foods served during Eid al-Fitr in Zanzibar is a sweet, spiced rice dish called “pilau.” This dish is usually made with a mix of spices, rice, meat, and vegetables and is served with coconut and mango chutney. Other popular dishes include biryani, samosas, and sweets like kaimati and maandazi
The island’s unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian cultures makes for a truly special and unforgettable experience.
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, and home to the two holiest sites in the religion, Mecca and Medina, making it a top destination for Muslims during Eid. In the country’s capital city, Riyadh, the government organises massive fireworks displays, which illuminate the sky and add to the celebratory spirit. Shopping malls and souks offer discounts and promotions, making it the perfect time to indulge in some retail therapy. Jeddah hosts the largest carnival in the country, with plenty of rides, games and street food.
If you find yourself in Saudi Arabia during the Eid celebrations, you could witness the grand Eid prayer at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and enjoy delicious Saudi Arabian cuisine like kabsa (spiced rice and meat dish) and thareed (bread soaked in lamb stew). For those who want to experience the heart of Islam, Saudi Arabia is an essential destination.
Turkey has a rich Islamic heritage and is a popular destination for Muslim travellers during Eid – it is also the perfect blend of East and West. The country’s vibrant cities like Istanbul and Ankara come alive during the holiday, with fireworks displays and traditional music and dance performances. During Eid, delicious dishes like lamb kebabs and baklava are favourites.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a popular spot for Eid prayers, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture and intricate designs. The city’s famous Grand Bazaar is bustling with activity, with vendors selling everything from spices to jewellery. In the coastal city of Antalya, hotels and resorts offer special packages – a bonus if you love crystal-clear beaches.
The UAE is a top destination for Muslim travellers during Eid, thanks to its luxurious hotels and world-class shopping malls. The country’s capital, Abu Dhabi, is known for its elaborate Eid decorations and cultural events, while Dubai is home to some of the world’s most spectacular fireworks displays.
During your visit, be sure to try traditional Emirati dishes like machboos (spiced rice and meat dish) and luqaimat (sweet dumplings) while shopping for Eid gifts in Dubai’s many malls, which are adorned with lights and traditional decorations. The biggest bonus? There are loads of special discounts and promotions for shoppers! Dubai is also home to several mosques where you could attend special prayers and celebrations.
These destinations will give you a glimpse into a fascinating and diverse world, and a chance to learn more about Islamic culture and tradition while also enjoying a unique cultural and spiritual experience, with vibrant celebrations, colourful decorations, and a sense of community and togetherness.
From the historic streets of Istanbul to the grand mosques of Mecca and Medina, there are so many Eid al-Fitr destinations to choose from. And if you missed out on travelling to these interesting destinations this year, there’s always another chance next year – and we’d love to help you plan your trip!
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