Eid al-Fitr

An Islamic festival of celebration marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which requires daily fasting. Eid al-Fitr translates to “the festival of breaking fast.” This celebration is one of two official holidays celebrated within the Islamic faith and falls on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar. In some Muslim countries, Eid al-Fitr is also a public holiday. In the early hours of the first day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims flock to dedicated outdoor areas for a specific Eid prayer, which must be performed in congregation and led by an imam. It is forbidden to fast on the first day of Eid al-Fitr. During this religious holiday, young Muslims are often gifted money from various family members. Sweets are also made and distributed specifically for this holiday, typically ma‘moul and ka‘ek, two buttery pastries made with semolina flour, walnuts, and dates.