Eid al-Fitr is the Muslim holiday that marks the conclusion of the month of Ramadan and translates exactly to “holiday of breaking the fast.” It is a three-day holiday starting this year from April 10 or 11, depending on the observation of the new month’s crescent. It is a joyful holiday where people start having meals during the day again, buy new clothes, prepare child-friendly activities, and travel.
Specific Eid Al-Fitr Activities
Fireworks Displays
Witness stunning firework displays across various cities in Saudi Arabia, starting at 9:00 pm local time on the first two days of Eid. Enjoy the spectacle at locations including Jeddah (Promenade), Riyadh (Time Square – Boulevard City), Al-Khobar (Al-Khobar Water Tower), Madinah (Opposite to Al-Aliya Mall), Abha (Sama Abha), Hail (Behind Salam Park), Arar (Behind Arar Tower), Jazan (North Corniche), Albaha (Prince Hussam Park), AlJaouf (Behind King Salman Cultural Center), Buraidah (King Abdullah National Park), Tabuk (Wadi Dhubaan), and Najran (Next to Prince Hathloul Sport City).
Source: TimeOut Riyadh.
Concerts
Attend concerts featuring renowned artists such as Majid Almohandis at the Hilton Hotel in Jeddah on April 11th, Abadi Aljouhar at Princess Nourah University Theater in Riyadh on April 12th, Rabeh Sager at Dhahran Expo Center in Dammam also on April 12th, and Miami Band at the Sports Hall of Qassim University on April 13th.
Source: Asharq Al Awsat.
Theatrical Performances
Enjoy theatrical performances including “The Red Box” at Batterjee Medical College Theater in Jeddah from April 13th to 17th, “Jinn Wedding” at Alasala Colleges in Dammam from April 14th to 18th, and “The Neighbor” at BLVD City (Mohammed Ali Theater) in Riyadh from April 14th to 17th.
Traditional Eid al-Fitr Activities
Food
After a month of fasting, Saudis eagerly anticipate the meals they abstain from during daylight, such as breakfast and lunch. Families typically prioritize one of these meals for the first day of Eid al-Fitr, gathering after the morning Eid prayer at the home of an elder family member. If breakfast is chosen, a large feast of traditional dishes is prepared, while if lunch is preferred, a traditional lamb and rice dish called “muftah” is served. Following these hearty meals, family members take a rest before dressing for continued evening celebrations. For dessert, “ma’amoul,” a Middle Eastern cookie filled with dates or nuts and sprinkled with powdered sugar, is a customary treat prepared by female family members in the days leading up to Eid.
Ma’amoul. Source: Emirates Daily.
Clothes
Saudi men, women, and children typically buy new clothes for the three days of Eid. Men buy new thobes and shemagh, women buy elegant dresses and outfits, and children buy new colorful outfits. To most truly feel the spirit of Eid, every piece of the outfit must be new, especially for the children.
Saudi children in special garb for Eid. Source: Saudi Press Agency.
Children
During Eid celebrations, children engage in particular activities tailored to their enjoyment. Initially, parents keep their children’s new outfits hidden until the morning of Eid, presenting them with a delightful surprise as they wake up to find their complete attire laid out beside them. This tradition repeats over all three days of Eid, adding to the excitement as children eagerly guess the colors beforehand. Additionally, families often organize special trips to amusement parks, offering children memorable experiences. Lastly, children commonly receive monetary gifts known as “Eidiya” from older family members and adults, which they can spend as they wish during the Eid festivities.
Source: Saudi Press Agency.
Greetings
During Eid, one can greet others by saying, “Eid Mubarak” or “Eid Sa’eed,” which translate to “blessed Eid” or “happy Eid,” and the response would be “‘alina wa ‘alik,” which translates to “for us and for you.” Another common greeting especially in the Gulf region is “‘asakom min ‘aowadah,” which translates to “may you relive these days in good health,” and the response would be “ameen, wayak” which translates to “amen, and you as well.”
