Eid al-Fitr, known as 'festival of breaking the fast,' is a significant religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. In Mauritania, a predominantly Muslim country located in Northwest Africa, Eid al-Fitr is widely celebrated with great enthusiasm and spiritual fervor. It is a public holiday, and the celebrations may last several days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
The celebrations of Eid al-Fitr in Mauritania begin with a communal prayer at dawn, held in large open areas like fields and plazas, or at mosques. This is followed by a sermon and a prayer for forgiveness and guidance. After the prayers, people visit each other's homes and exchange gifts. It's customary to wear new clothes, and it is significant to give to the poor and needy, often in the form of alms known as 'Zakat al-Fitr'.
Food plays a very pivotal role in the celebrations in Mauritania. After a month-long fasting, families and friends come together to enjoy special meals. Popular dishes include 'Mechoui', a roasted whole lamb dish, 'Thieboudienne', a Mauritanian fish and rice dish, and a range of sweet delicacies. It is a time for community bonding, feasting, and thanking Allah for the strength to complete the Ramadan fast. Eid al-Fitr is not merely a religious event in Mauritania; it is deeply ingrained in the social and cultural fabric of the nation.