A traveller’s guide to enjoying amazing Eid al Fitr celebrations

While Ramadan is a time of fasting, Eid is a feast for all the senses. The name Eid al Fitr in English translates as the “Holiday of Breaking the Fast” and there are some specific traditions observed by many families across the globe.

Before the first day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family exchanges gifts with their loved ones and donates a traditionally defined amount to the less fortunate during this time. The donation is typically food as opposed to money to ensure that those in need can enjoy a nourishing holiday meal and participate in the festivities.

Another important marker of Eid is the clothes, where Muslims will either wear traditional clothes aligned with their culture, or family members will buy one another new clothing so that everyone can look their best.

On the first day of Eid, Muslims start the day with an early wake-up to perform the Eid prayer, which takes place either inside their home, at a nearby mosque or in large public places, such as parks or halls. The prayer consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.

The prayers are followed by a lunchtime feast where friends and family gather to indulge in special foods, particularly sweet delicacies such as cakes, cookies and pastries. During Eid, families may also string up lights and brightly coloured banners, place candles or lanterns around the house and hang up stars and crescent moons to mark the ending of the fasting month.

While most Muslims tend to spend most of the first day of Eid at home or the home of friends or family, during the following two days, they travel around to enjoy the festivities. This is what you can get up to during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations around the world.

While the month of Ramadan remains a quiet and reflective time of year in Dubai, Eid in Dubai brings with it a great deal of buzz and excitement. The malls are packed, cinema seats are scarce - and restaurants boast extraordinarily long queues throughout the holiday. The city comes to life with exciting Eid al Fitr celebrations, traditional dance performances, live music and special shows in all the major public spaces across Dubai.

In the UAE, ouzi, a local dish of slow-cooked succulent lamb or goat mixed with rice and topped with fried pine nuts is one of the signature dishes, as is chicken machboos; chicken thighs cooked in tomatoes, onions and herbs, served with basmati rice. Luqaimat, sweet, doughnut-style dough balls dipped in honey, are also a delicious addition to the Eid holiday.

Gift-giving is an important part of the Eid holiday and the city's malls and boutiques become hotspots for flash sales and bargains leading up to the long weekend. From discounts at department stores to big-name brands, the majority of Dubai's malls get into the spirit of the holiday. Get involved and explore the extensive range of shops at the renowned Mall of the Emirates, all within easy reach of Dubai’s top hotels.

If the idea of retreating to a tropical island during the Eid al Fitr celebrations appeals, the Maldives are just the place. Known locally as Kuda Eid, Eid al Fitr in the Maldives begins, as in other countries, with morning prayer at the mosque followed by a special sermon before families gather together for lunch and to exchange gifts. Maldivian dishes, such as masroshi (stuffed flatbread) and hedhikaa (snacks), are prepared and shared among loved ones.

Guests at the Barceló Whale Lagoon, Maldives can enjoy a relaxing break on the South Ari Atoll. While celebrations differ year upon year, it is not uncommon that traditional Maldivian games such as Thin Mugoali and Faiga Thalhaa are taught to visitors and parades of colourfully dressed locals march around the resort to the upbeat rhythm of Boduberu. It is a fantastic way for guests to immerse themselves in island culture and the unique ways of life in the Maldives. During this time, guests can also enjoy some well-deserved downtime enjoying the wellness facilities on offer such as sunrise yoga and pilates, exclusive body treatments in the Mandala Spa and relaxing swims in the infinity pool. Those looking to give back during their stay can get involved in the conservation projects taking place at the South Ari Marine Protected Area, home to many whale sharks.

Travelling to Morocco during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations offers travellers a new perspective on the country. Locals refer to this festivity as Eid es-Seghir and it is a time when families buy new clothes for their children and tuck into delicious local cuisine such as couscous with lamb or beef brochettes.

Regardless of whether you are visiting Marrakech, Rabat, Fès or Casablanca, the exciting atmosphere is palpable across the country. Here, the mornings are spent on the bustling medina streets admiring the countless treasures displayed at the winding souks. By mid-afternoon, following the morning prayers, the medina is filled with smoking grills, as the finest lamb specialties are prepared and shared amongst visiting family members. Children run free between family homes in the medina in their finest Eid attire – kaftans for little girls and djellaba and yellow slippers for little boys.

Markets are set up throughout cities and small villages where pens are filled with sheep ready for purchase before being transported home by a variety of means – by scooter, donkey, side-saddle bags, cars, the boot of taxis. Supplies are also purchased – charcoal for the barbecue to prepare brochettes, terracotta barbecues, and serving ware.

Combine your stay in Morocco with sightseeing and visit key landmarks such as the Old City in Fes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (one of the largest in the world or the ornate Bahia Palace in Marrakech. Whichever city you choose to celebrate Eid in, you will have an unforgettable time.

Eid al-Fitr in Istanbul, known as "Şeker Bayramı'' in Turkish is more liberal than other celebrations of Eid al Fitr around the world. During the day, there’s excitement in the air. People dress up in their best, often new, clothes and head to the large cemeteries to worship their deceased ancestors. Homemade sweet treats such as Baklava and Turkish delight are shared with friends and family and large feasts are enjoyed. Come evening you’ll find a festival atmosphere in the main parks, plazas and public areas. Trees are swathed with fairy lights and mosques display sparkling celebratory messages between their minarets. Families and friends come out together to the bustling promenade where temporary stalls sell religious items, traditional snacks or treats for children.

Across the city, spirits are up, and restaurants, bars and clubs remain open. Non-Muslims are welcomed, and the locals are as accommodating as ever. Many restaurants offer a special banquet-like menu with unusual dishes out on display, so it can be a great opportunity to taste something new. While the city is full of merry spirit, it is an ideal time to enjoy leisurely strolls along the Bosphorus, visit historical sites such as the Hagia Sophia the Ortaköy Mosque and the Blue Mosque, or indulge in festive meals at restaurants and cafes. Book your stay at Istanbul’s top hotels and enjoy being at the centre of the celebrations.

In Egypt, the Eid al Fitr celebrations are a family affair with many people leaving the cities and returning to their hometowns. Yet, wherever you go, there is a joyful atmosphere. Many Egyptian families take to the streets to enjoy celebrating with their local community, with mobile carnivals, performers, and storytellers keeping the crowd enraptured with traditional folktales. Many streets in Egypt also turn into one big farmyard filled with roaming sheep and cows. Families gather for elaborate feasts, featuring traditional dishes such as "fattah," "koshary," and an array of delectable sweets like "kahk" and "maamoul."

Visiting historical sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, the Sultan Hassan Mosque or the bustling markets of Cairo during Eid al-Fitr provides a glimpse into Egypt's deep-rooted traditions and religious heritage. However, travellers should be mindful of potential crowds and the limited availability of certain services during this time.  

Eid is hugely celebrated on television, with a continuous marathon of movies and programmes featuring live interviews from all over Egypt of both public figures and everyday citizens, sharing their Eid celebrations. Heading to Egypt for the festivities? Check out the exclusive and luxurious Barceló Tiran Sharm and Barceló Cairo Pyramids.

Tunisia’s strict Ramadan celebrations make travelling to this North African country an enlightening, spiritual experience. Yet, it is Tunisia’s Eid al Fitr holiday weekend that attracts visitors from around the world. It is a wonderful time for those travelling to Tunisia to immerse themselves in the local culture and customs of the nation. 

Expect large crowds to gather for the post-Ramadan prayers in mosques across the country. Streets and homes are decorated with brightly coloured decorations and the aroma of traditional Tunisian delicacies will tempt your tastebuds. Families come together to enjoy elaborate feasts featuring dishes such as "couscous," "brik," and a variety of sweet treats like "makroud" and "zlabia." Yet, markets offer a delicious range of traditional dishes to try if you are keen on discovering Tunisian street food during your travels. Spend the time in between the festivities discovering unmissable places to see in Tunisia such as the ruins of Carthage, the Al-Zaytuna Mosque and Hammamet.