In various Islamic countries across the globe, Muslims will gather to celebrate Eid Ul Fitr on Sunday, a holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan throughout which, Muslims have fasted variously and now will celebrate and reward everyone for a month piety.
The celebrations of Eid Ul Fitr start as soon as the new moon is spotted in the sky, making this festive holiday different around the world. The celebrations begin when the fasting month of Ramadan ends and the following month, which is that of Shawwal begins.
Many throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participate in the King Abdulaziz Historical Center celebrations as every year the biggest and best festivities are held in a vast area that is spread across the Historical Centre buildings and the National Museum.
Traditional Sword dances, Najdi music, songs, and poetry recital fill the warm evenings and nights in a beautifully decorated setting. Some even enjoy a picnic in the National Museum Gardens watching the fountain and light show. Children mostly enjoy playing on the grass fields and running through the cooling fountains.
Some explore the Qasr Al Hokum Square’s festival area, which is surrounded by Saudi history.
Highlights of this festival are situated next to the Al Musmak fort and Deerah souvenir and antique souq, include traditional folklore tents, handicrafts markets, traditional Saudi food stalls and an array of activities and games for children.
This area is usually separate for men and women.
You can even watch the Eid Ul Fitr firework show which is organised by the Riyadh Municipality. The best places to view the fireworks from are the King Fahad football stadium, the suspension bridge, and the water tower viewing platform which is located next to the National Museum.
See the spectacular views from the Deerah water tower viewing platform. The tower is located inside the small amusement park next to the National Museum. From up there you can get a bird’s eye view down at the festival and see the beautifully lit mosques, historical buildings, festive lights and decorations of the area.
As a woman, you can mingle with the local ladies at the Women’s festival building in the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. Mothers and daughters can have henna tattoos made, watch theatre and comedy shows, have face paintings made and the height of the evening a chance to watch Saudi women dancing and singing traditional Saudi songs.
Men and children can enjoy the activities at the Show’s Square off exit 10 next to the Al Sager Aviation Museum. This huge area has a variety of motor sports and can be visited by the whole family.
The family or a group of friends can have a fun day out in Thumamah sand dunes. They can choose from Quad bike rentals, camel rides, kite-flying, horseback riding, or dune bashing and sand boarding. You can rent an outdoor traditional Saudi tent and enjoy a meal by the camp fire or inside the air-conditioned tents.
Usually, public holiday of first 3 days is declared by the Saudi government in the observance of Eid Ul Fitr. If the 3 days are followed by the weekend, then it is icing on the cake as individuals and families can get to have longer days to spend for vacation. Saudi Arabian families take this opportunity to travel and visit their relatives across the country.
Men, children and sometimes women visit mosque in order to perform the morning Eid prayer which takes place after the break of dawn. Donned in their new attire, children excitedly to show off what they are wearing; so are the ladies, who reveal their Eid Ul Fitr dresses to their female friends after greeting each other with a customary hug.
One of the things children are most excited about is receiving ‘Eidia’ which is a gift in the form of money or any present.
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