How Eid-Al Fitr is like in Egypt: Rituals and Celebrations.

The early morning of Friday 21st of April marked the first day of Eid Al-fitr in Egypt, marking the end of the long 30 days fasting of Ramadan, continuing for 3 days of celebrations. Eid-Al Fitr is also being called in Egypt as the “Lesser Eid” or simply “Eid”.

The date of Eid Al-Fitr varies from country to another.

How do we know if the Eid is about to start?

The start of the holiday is based on the sighting of the new moon; hence, astrological observations are usually taking place by experts, releasing the specific date of the holiday and its beginning. This observation of the new moon indicates that Ramadan month has come to an end, welcoming a new month “Shawal” in Islamic calendar. Which means that Muslims are ready to break their 30 days fasting and start Eid-Al Fitr celebrations.

Rituals of Eid-Al Fitr

In the early hours of Eid-Al Fitr, usually between 5:30-6:00 AM, Muslims perform their “Eid prayers”, it is a yearly Islamic ritual that Egyptians await! Adults make sure to take their children and encourage them to participate in the prayers and celebrations in order to transfer the tradition to young generations.

Egyptian streets are usually crowded with celebrations and joyous vibes until the early morning, locals stay up all night from the day before until the Eid prayers time. Cities are decorated with lights, balloons, and Eid music! The whole country becomes “the city that never sleeps” on that day!

During Eid holiday, people make sure to wear they best-looking clothes and perfumes, celebrating the holiday with new and clean clothes.

Eid-Al Fitr revolves mainly around family and delicious food. In the next 3 days of Eid gatherings and visits start, where families, relatives, and friends visit each other and spend quality time together.

Eideya Giving

One of the common and essential rituals of Eid is “Eideya-giving”, the word “Eideya” comes from Eid which means “giving” or “kindness”. In the tradition of “Eideya”, adults give young children money and gifts for the meaning of love. The value of “Eideya” is not certain, the amount people give depends on the person’s social status. The tradition of Eideya has been in Egypt since ages, it is a tradition that both adults and children enjoy and await. Children especially love this tradtition as they usually play and compete, each one comparing how much Eideya he/ she gathered.

Eid Deserts (Kahk)

Here comes the most favorite, Eid deserts! Egyptians await and prepare deserts from the last days of Ramadan until Eid.

The most famous and delicious desert in Eid-Al Fitr is “Kahk”, they are traditional Eid cookies that have a circular shape, buttery texture, different fillings, and dusted with lots of powdered sugar! Sounds delicious, isn’t it?

In fact, Kahk are also called “Kahk-Al Eid” because they are only served and made during the Eid holiday. This tradition of serving Kahk dated back to the ancient Egyptians and pharaohs, the tradition ever since continued over the years and became part of the Egyptian culture.

Locals enjoy this tradition by gathering, decorating and filling the Kahk at their homes, later on, they take the Kahk trays to their local baker so the home-made Kahk to be baked. Baking of Kahk has become a traditional social activity in Egypt.

In the first day of Eid, people take their first breakfast after ramadan with the delicious home-made Kahk they've made, accompanied with coffee or tea.

Eid is definitely the best time to visit Egypt, where you’ll enjoy the spiritual and joyous vibes of Eid- Al Fitr!