Israel Events and Festivals

9/01/2008 - 9/29/2008Ramadan

Ramadan is the Muslim festival of fasting and is the most important festival in the Islamic Calendar. Celebrated by Muslims all over the world, the celebrations in the holy city of Jerusalem are particularly special. The arrival of the crescent moon in the night sky signals the start of 30 days of fasting during which Muslims don't eat, drink or smoke during the day, eating all their meals before sunrise and after sunset. Consequently, Jerusalem's Islamic cafes and coffee shops throng with activity each evening during Ramadan. Fasting is one of the pillars of the Islamic faith and reminds Muslims of the plight of the poor, sick and needy. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the 30-day fasting period and is a great celebration throughout the Muslim world and particularly in Jerusalem. On the evening of Eid al-Fitr it is common to get together with friends, families and loved ones for a feast