Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant religious holidays celebrated in Ethiopia, particularly by the Muslim community. Marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr is a festival of breaking the fast. In Ethiopia, this holiday is also known as Ramazan Bayram, and it is a public holiday held on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
The celebration of Eid al-Fitr in Ethiopia is marked with cheerful and festive traditions. On the first morning of the event, Muslims dress in their finest clothes and head to local mosques for special prayers known as Salat al-Eid. It is a day of jubilation, charity, and feast. Following the Salat al-Eid, Ethiopians typically visit friends and family to celebrate together, sharing meals, and offering each other gifts.
Despite the festivity, the spirit of Eid al-Fitr in Ethiopia also has a strong emphasis on charity. The day begins with the giving of 'Zakat al-Fitr', an obligatory act of charity for those who can afford it, symbolizing purification and fostering a sense of community. The holiday is deeply embedded in the country's culture despite its diverse religious populace, demonstrating unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among Ethiopians.