Eid al-Fitr, commonly known as 'Festival of Breaking the Fast', is a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide, including Somalia, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting and prayer. It is a time of joy, family gatherings, charity, and gratitude for Muslims. The date it is celebrated varies yearly, as it depends on the lunar Islamic calendar, but it always falls on the first day of Shawwal, immediately after the conclusion of Ramadan.
In Somalia, Eid al-Fitr is a public holiday. The celebration begins with a special communal prayer in mosques or open spaces, followed by a sermon. Most Somali Muslims indulge in new clothes for the occasion or wear their best outfits. They also donate to the poor and needy (Zakat-al-Fitr), one of the pillars of Islam. Thus, everyone, irrespective of their financial status, can partake in the festive banquet that follows the communal prayer, creating an atmosphere of communal unity and inclusiveness. Festive meals typically include traditional Somali dishes.
Families and friends come together during the holiday to enjoy meals and exchange gifts, fostering the sense of kinship. Kids specially enjoy this festival as they receive gifts, usually money, from the adults. Public festivities such as concerts, cultural events, and sports tournaments often take place in major cities. Despite the country's ongoing conflicts, Eid al-Fitr serves as a moment of unity and peace, carrying an essential message of hope and resilience.