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How Eid Al-Fitr is Celebrated in the Middle East: Stories, Traditions, and Memories
Eid Al-Fitr (Arabic: عِيدُ ٱلْفِطْر) is the Muslim festival marking the breaking of the fast of the month of Ramadan.
It is celebrated on the first day of the Arabic month, Shawwal. It is also sometimes called Eid as-Seghir (ʿīdu ʾaṣ-ṣaḡīr, عِيدُ الصَّغِير), “the little feast,” as opposed to Eid el-Kebir, “the great feast.”
One Celebration, Many Traditions: Eid Al-Fitr Across the Middle East
In general, Eid Al-Fitr is similarly celebrated around the Arab countries, with some basic habits and rituals among all Muslims: paying the alms for the breaking of the fast (Zakat Al-Fitr) before the Eid prayer, Eid prayer (salat al aïd), which takes place in the early morning and is performed either in a mosque or in the open air, and visiting families and friends to exchange Eid greetings and Eideya “money.”
However, there are slight variations here and there. Allow me to take you on a journey around the Middle East, exploring savory and sweet dishes and special cultural celebrations.
United Arab Emirates:
Eid in the Land of Opulence and Tradition
Celebrations begin with Eid prayer at mosques and open spaces, often attended by large crowds. Families prepare traditional dishes, meals, and sweets. Popular foods include lamb, rice, and various sweet treats. Cities host fireworks, concerts, and cultural events, creating a lively atmosphere. People give Zakat Al-Fitr (charity) to help those in need, ensuring everyone can partake in the celebrations.
Eid mornings aren’t complete without waking up to the smell of freshly brewed gahwa and dates at my parents’ house. No matter how busy life gets, this moment is sacred.
— Ahmed, 32, UAE
Egypt:
Where Eid Means Family, Feasts, and Festivities
The streets come alive with decorations, and people often enjoy traditional sweets, especially "Kahk" (sugar-powdered cookies). Families prepare large meals and invite friends and neighbors to join in the celebrations. Public festivities may include fairs and performances, enhancing the festive spirit.
Eid is when Cairo never sleeps! After the prayers, we dive into kahk and feteer, then spend the day hopping from house to house, drinking endless cups of tea.
— Amr, 40, Egypt
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
A Royal Eid Celebration Rooted in Heritage
Eid's first day starts with communal prayers, followed by family visits and feasting. Dishes like “Kabsa” (spiced rice with meat) and sweets are commonly served. Cities organize events, including entertainment and fireworks, to celebrate the occasion.
My favorite part of Eid? That first hug from my grandmother after prayer. She always slips an Eidiya into my hand, even though I’m too old for it now!
— Fatima, 27, KSA
Palestine:
An Eid of Resilience, Reflection, and Togetherness
Despite challenges, Palestinians celebrate Eid with a strong sense of community. Special prayers are held, and families gather for festive meals featuring traditional dishes. To praise their cultural identity, celebrations often include sharing sweets and engaging in cultural traditions that reinforce their identity.
Eid is bittersweet. We visit the graves of loved ones in the morning, then gather as a family to keep their memory alive. Their absence is heavy, but so is the love we share.
— Yasmeen, 35, Palestine
Turkey:
Şeker Bayramı – A Sweet Celebration of Eid
In Turkey, the celebrations start with prayers and often include visiting the graves of loved ones. Families share traditional festive meals, and special sweets like “Baklava” are prepared. Many cities organize public activities and events, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the country.
Şeker Bayramı is the one day when my little cousins don’t get scolded for eating too much candy. Their sugar rush is wild, but that’s the joy of Eid!
— Emre, 30, Turkey
Bahrain:
Eid Nights Filled with Warmth and Gatherings
In Bahrain, families often celebrate the festival with Eid dinner that includes dishes like “Quzi” or “Machboos” rice, while popular sweets include “Halwa” or “Khanfaroosh.” Families come together to celebrate with special meals and traditional dishes. The country often hosts festivals, art exhibitions, and community activities during Eid. Homes and public spaces are adorned with festive decorations.
For me, it’s all about the diwaniya. Sitting with childhood friends, catching up, and laughing till sunrise—this is what Eid feels like.
— Khalid, 29, Bahrain
Oman:
The Scent of Shuwa and the Spirit of Community
Eid, in Oman, is a time for family gatherings, where meals are shared and stories are exchanged. Omanis celebrate by having a famous local meal "Shuwa" and “Qahwa” (coffee), showcasing their cultural heritage. Similar to other countries, giving to the less fortunate is an important part of the celebrations.
I love how the whole neighborhood smells of shuwa on Eid! We marinate it for days, bury it underground, and when it’s finally ready—pure magic.
— Salma, 24, Oman
Jordan:
A Tribal Reunion Wrapped in Eid Joy
The Eid festivities in Palestine and Jordan may culturally vary by region, but a common thread in all the celebrations is generosity and hospitality. The day begins with a special prayer at mosques, where large gatherings take place. Families celebrate and gather with festive meals, often including traditional dishes and sweets. Public celebrations include fairs and activities for children are common, fostering a joyful atmosphere in towns and cities.
Eid is family, plain and simple. The entire tribe gathers under one roof, and no one dares miss it. We sit, we eat, we laugh—just like we did when we were kids.
— Mahmoud, 50, Jordan
Lebanon:
Eid Breakfast, Sweet Traditions, and Family Bonds
Lebanon’s multicultural environment is reflected in its Eid celebrations, with various traditions observed. Families and friends gather for large meals, sharing dishes that reflect Lebanese cuisine, such as “Kibbeh” and various sweets. Cultural events and public celebrations include entertainment, music, and community activities, enhancing the festive spirit. “Ma'amoul” and “Kahk” are popular cookie confections that are baked and consumed during Eid in Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.
I wait all year for Eid breakfast at my teta’s house. Knefeh dripping with syrup, warm hugs, and her saying, ‘Eat, habibti, you look too skinny!
— Mira, 31, Lebanon
Syria:
Nostalgic Eid Moments in the Heart of Damascus
Despite ongoing challenges, Syrians in unity and resilience celebrate Eid with communal prayers and family gatherings. Special meals and traditional foods are prepared, and sweets are shared among family and friends. Neighborhoods often come together for celebrations, reinforcing community bonds.
No matter where life takes me, I have to be home for Eid. Damascus’ old streets, the sound of kids laughing, and the taste of ma’amoul—it’s home in every sense.
— Omar, 45, Syria
Iraq:
Celebrating Eid Along the Banks of the Tigris
In Iraq, “Kleicha” (the traditional sweet snack) and lamb are popular foods. The day starts with Eid prayers in mosques, followed by visits to family and friends. Traditional Iraqi festive meals and dishes, such as “Dolma” (stuffed vegetables) and various sweets, are prepared and enjoyed. Iraqi cities may host events, including fairs and entertainment, to mark the occasion.
Eid is when Baghdad shines. We take the kids to the parks, ride the boats on the Tigris, and for a moment, life feels simple again.
— Hadeel, 32, Iraq
Conclusion: A Celebration That Unites Us All
No matter where or how it’s celebrated, Eid Al-Fitr carries the same essence across the Middle East—family, tradition, and the joy of togetherness. Whether through warm embraces, sweet treats, or long-standing customs, this day is a reminder that happiness is best shared.
❤️ عيد مبارك