Celebrating Eid around the world

What is Eid all about?

For those of you who don’t celebrate Eid al-Fitr but would like to know more about it, it marks the end of Ramadan and is also known as the Festival of Breaking Fast. It begins today Monday 2 May 2022 and will go on for three days.

Celebrations may differ slightly for different regions, countries, households, and even what type of Islam you practice. For instance, countries in South-East Asia have slightly different Eid traditions to countries in the Middle East. While rituals or prayers for those who practice Sunni Islam differ to those who practice Shia Islam.

For many, the next few days will be all about special prayers, family visits, gift giving, and charity. And while there will be many celebrations and gatherings filled with delicious food and joy, we also know there’s another aspect to the celebrations, too.

Zakat al-Fitr is when the “head of the family” donates a certain amount to charity on behalf of each family member under their care. This donation can actually be made during Ramadan but has to be completed just before Eid prayers.

Reconnecting with loved ones

As things begin to slowly return to normal, Eid celebrations this year will be in full force. Not only is it the first time in almost two years that Eid can take place in person, it may also be the first time in a long time for many that they can go to the Mosque for prayers, attend parties, and make house visits.

The excitement around reconnecting with loved ones near and far is high this year. Thankfully, with borders reopening, many families are able to visit one another.

The Sugar Feast

We know how big a part food plays when it comes to Eid. This is not just because it signifies the end of fasting for 30 long days but also because it’s a time for families to reunite and gather. In most regions, countries and communities, sweets and desserts are the most popular treats during this time. That’s why Eid al-Fitr is often referred to as the Sugar Feast in many countries. Common desserts include baklava, Turkish delight, dates, halwa, honey and date cookies, and more.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways countries around the world celebrate Eid - from what is served during gatherings to big celebrations at home.

How Eid is celebrated around the world

Turkey

The use of the term “Sugar Feast” for Eid actually derives from Turkey. Sweet treats like baklava and Turkish delight often make an appearance at all Eid celebrations.

With 98% of the Turkish population practising Islam, it’s no wonder that there is almost a week-long public holiday.

While the majority of the celebrations are often spent at home, it can be common for people to enjoy the time off to relax on the beach all day - after 30 long days of fasting, it’s well deserved, don’t you think?

Singapore

Singapore isn’t a Muslim majority country but has many ties to its neighbouring nation of Malaysia, which does have a Muslim majority population. So, naturally celebrations do occur in this South-East Asian cosmopolitan, but more so in the district of Geylang Serai.

Unlike most Muslim countries from around the world, Eid is not a common term. Rather, in Singapore and in Malaysia, it’s referred to as Hari Raya or Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which means something similar but in the Malay language.

The celebrations begin at the same time as Eid but will last a little bit longer and include many night markets, bazaars, and great food and treats on offer.

While there are a few differences on how Eid, or rather, Hari Raya, is celebrated in Singapore, what remains is the emphasis on family gatherings and spending quality time with each other.

Egypt

In Egypt, Eid is a three-day public holiday and begins early in the morning on the first day with traditional prayers.

The old and young often reap the most during this joyous time as on the first day, families will make it a point to visit elderly family members and spend quality time with them. On the other hand, young children will receive a little money from all of those who are older than them. Wish you were a kid again? We do too.

Instead of family gatherings occurring just at home, Egyptians enjoy heading out to parks, gardens, and even zoos to enjoy the festivities with those in their local community.

Saudi Arabia

Eid celebrations in Saudi Arabia are very similar to the rest of their neighbouring nations in the Middle East. After special Eid prayers, family and friends tend to gather with the children to enjoy traditional feasts of mugalgal, spiced lamb with tomatoes; jareesh, ground wheat mixed with meat and spices; and many, many sweet treats. Some of the desserts on offer include honey and date cookies; another nod to why Eid is often referred to as the Sugar Feast, or more specifically in this region, as Sweet Eid.

With all the sweetness on menus, it’s no surprise that Eid is a joyous time especially for children. But even more so because children in Saudi Arabia are often given Eidia gifts. These can include money, new clothes, toys, and more goodies.

On the first night of Eid, people celebrate by going out in their finest, new clothes to see the fireworks and wish those in their community Eid Mubarak. In contrast, another unique tradition includes leaving large quantities of rice and other food items outside the gates of those less fortunate as a way to give back and ensure they too, can celebrate.

United Arab Emirates

Eid celebrations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share many similarities to that of Saudi Arabia. Festivities often begin with early morning prayers at the Mosque and thereafter people go about their day, meet friends and family, enjoy feasts, and wish their local community Eid Mubarak.

There are also firework displays in the evenings, cultural events that include magic tricks, pop up themed parks, dance shows, and more!

Have a blessed Eid from all of us at WorldRemit

While most Eid celebrations around the world share many similarities, it’s interesting that each country around the world has their own unique take and traditions.

For those celebrating Eid, we wish you and your loved ones a wonderful festivity from wherever you are.

If you’re planning to send money back home this Eid, send money with peace of mind by using our services. Our transfers are quick, secure, and convenient for you and your recipients. Plus, if you’re new to WorldRemit, you can send money free with 3FREE and enjoy three fee free transfers.