Eid al-Fitr is a joyous celebration in the end of holy month Ramadhan, that brings families and communities together. Eid al-Fitr which translates to “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” begins with the Eid prayer in the morning, followed by visits to relatives and friends. Every country has its unique customs and traditions for celebrating Eid al-Fitr, making this festival a diverse and culturally rich experience.
Eid al-Fitr Traditions in Different Countries
Indonesia: Family Gatherings & Traditional Festive Foods
In Indonesia, Eid al-Fitr is deeply rooted in family values and traditions. The annual mudik (homecoming) sees millions of Indonesians traveling back to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones. After performing the Eid prayer, families gather to seek forgiveness and share traditional festive meals.
Popular dishes include ketupat (rice cakes wrapped in woven palm leaves) and opor ayam (chicken braised in coconut milk). To make food preparation easier, many Indonesians now use creamer as a coconut milk substitute in dishes like opor ayam and Lebaran desserts. Traditional Eid cookies such as nastar (pineapple tarts) and kastengel (cheese cookies) also incorporate non-dairy creamer for a creamier texture and longer shelf life.
1. United Arab Emirates: Festive Decorations & Henna Art
In the UAE, Eid al-Fitr is a grand celebration, with homes decorated in vibrant colors, families purchasing new clothes, and traditional sweets being prepared. After the Eid prayer, families gather in beautifully adorned spaces to share food and gifts. Women often celebrate by decorating their hands with intricate henna designs, a cherished Eid tradition in the region.
2. Saudi Arabia: Sweet Delicacies & Cultural Performances
Eid al-Fitr in Saudi Arabia is marked by large family feasts featuring kleicha, a rose-flavored date and nut biscuit popular in both Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Gift-giving is a key part of the celebration, with children and elders receiving special presents. Traditional activities such as camel racing, falconry, and cultural dances also take place, adding to the festive atmosphere.
3. Turkey: The Sugar Feast (Şeker Bayramı)
In Turkey, Eid al-Fitr is known as Şeker Bayramı, or the Sugar Feast, highlighting the festival’s association with sweet treats. The three-day celebration begins with Muslims performing ritual cleansing before wearing new clothes and visiting elders to seek blessings. Children receive candy, chocolates, and money, and families enjoy traditional Turkish desserts like baklava and Turkish delight.
4. Kyrgyzstan: Community Bonding & Horse Racing Festivals
In Kyrgyzstan, Eid al-Fitr, or Orozo Ait, starts with mass Eid prayers attended by thousands. Afterward, families visit each other’s homes to exchange greetings, while children sing Jaramazan songs in return for sweets and money. The festival is also celebrated with horse racing competitions, a nod to the country’s rich nomadic heritage.
5. Iceland: A Test of Endurance & Cultural Gatherings
Fasting during Ramadhan in Iceland can be especially challenging, with daylight lasting up to 22 hours in summer. To ease the difficulty, Muslim scholars allow fasting according to the timings of a neighboring country or Mecca’s fasting schedule. Despite the long fasting hours, the Muslim community in Reykjavik comes together to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with food from diverse backgrounds, including Egyptian, Eritrean, and Indonesian cuisines.
6. Kenya: Swahili Traditions & Coastal Festivities
In Kenya, where Islam is the second-largest religion, Eid al-Fitr blends Swahili culture with Islamic traditions. In coastal towns, children go from house to house singing Islamic songs (Maulidi) and receive small gifts or money in return. This custom, known as kuomba msamaha (asking for forgiveness), reflects the spirit of Eid. In major cities like Nairobi, Eid celebrations take place in public parks, featuring family picnics and entertainment for children.
7. New Zealand: Multicultural Eid Festivals
New Zealand’s Muslim community is highly diverse, with members from Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with communal prayers, feasts, and family gatherings. In recent years, public Eid festivals have gained popularity, featuring cultural performances, food stalls, and fun activities for children. Auckland’s Eden Park Carnival is a highlight, offering interactive games and delicious global cuisine, reflecting the multicultural essence of Eid in New Zealand.
Conclusion
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated in unique ways around the world, from preparing traditional foods to participating in cultural festivities. At its core, Eid is about togetherness, forgiveness, and sharing blessings.
For modern Muslim families looking for convenient cooking solutions, creamer is an excellent substitute for coconut milk in classic Eid dishes, offering a longer shelf life, cost-effectiveness, and a creamy texture. Whether you’re preparing opor ayam, Eid desserts, or festive drinks, incorporating non-dairy creamer ensures a delicious and hassle-free celebration.
Celebrate Ramadhan & Eid al-Fitr with joy, tradition, and flavorful meals!
