July 17, 2015, Virginia. – Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered a holy month for Muslims. It is the month in which Muslims fast to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). After a month of fasting, Muslims celebrate the Feast of Ramadan – Eid al-Fitr which is an important religious holiday for the Muslim world and Turkish people, who celebrate it by visiting relatives and friends as well as by hosting their loved ones at their own houses. It is also an important and joyous time, for the children, their day is filled with consuming candy and receiving gifts, usually small amounts of money from their elders.
This year, Eid al-Fitr was celebrated on the 17th, 18th and 19th of July. The celebration started with the particular Eid Salat (Islamic Prayer), usually performed on the first day of Eid. In order to enhance the joyful experience, the American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA) organized an Eid celebration in Fairfax, Virginia on the evening of the 17th. The Turkic American Alliance staff and interns celebrated with the community during this event hosted by ATFA. The program started at 7 p.m. with the dinner service which included savory Turkish food. During the celebration, guests had the opportunity to have conversations with their friends and to congratulate others on their completion of eid. Food stands were set up, which included Turkish tea and coffee, cotton candy, popcorn, traditional Turkish pastries and ice cream. Bouncing castles were also set up for children to play as well.
Approximately 400-500 people attended the Eid celebration hosted by ATFA. Attendees constituted a very diverse crowd of people who wanted to experience Eid. The celebration lasted until 10 p.m. guests leaving the celebration both delighted and pleased.
