“Eid is a joyous occasion where friends and family get together to celebrate, including having a meal,” said Imam Mohammed Laher, reflecting on the significance of Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Fitr, which translates to “celebration of breaking the fast,” marks the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. In 2026, this important festival is expected to fall on either Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
The celebration lasts for three days, during which Muslims around the world gather for prayers, feasts, and community festivities. In the UK, many will participate in the traditional Eid salah (prayer) early in the morning on the first day of Eid, often at mosques or open areas such as parks.
In Turkey, Eid is referred to as Bayram, while in Egypt, families often gather in public gardens to celebrate. Tunisia celebrates Eid for three days, with two national holidays dedicated to the occasion. In Pakistan, Eid al-Fitr is known as chhotī īd or mīṭhī īd, highlighting the diverse cultural expressions of this festival.
One notable event in the UK is Eid in the Park, which will return to Manchester for the tenth time in 2026. This event has been running for 18 years and serves as a vibrant gathering for the community to celebrate together.
As families prepare for the festivities, they often indulge in traditional sweets such as Baklawa and ka’ak, which are integral to the celebration. The atmosphere is filled with joy and gratitude as people come together to share meals and create lasting memories.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact date of Eid al-Fitr, but the anticipation for the celebrations is already building within communities across the UK and beyond.
