Today, March 30, 2025, the Muslim world bids farewell to Ramadan, a sacred month filled with reflection, fasting, and devotion, making way for the joyful celebration of Eid al-Fitr. At eRadio Global, we want to bring this significant celebration closer to our Latin audience by respectfully and clearly explaining what Ramadan is, who celebrates it, why it takes place, in which countries it stands out, and how it is celebrated. Join us on this journey through one of the most important traditions of Islam, which unites millions of people with faith and hope.
What is Ramadan and why is it celebrated?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a lunar calendar of 354 days that causes its dates to change each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. This year, it began on March 1 and ends today, March 30, following the sighting of the crescent moon that marks the beginning of the next month, Shawwal. For Muslims, Ramadan commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad in the year 610 AD, an event known as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), which is believed to have occurred on one of the last odd nights of the month.
The purpose of Ramadan is to draw closer to God (Allah) through fasting, prayer, charity, and self-reflection. Fasting, or sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam—along with faith (shahada), prayer (salat), charity (zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj)—and requires healthy adult Muslims to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn (fajr) until sunset (maghrib). This act fosters discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and gratitude for daily blessings.
Who celebrates Ramadan?
Ramadan is observed by approximately 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, according to estimates from the Pew Research Center for 2020, making it the second largest religion on the planet. It is celebrated by all Muslims who have reached puberty and are in physical and mental condition to fast. However, there are exceptions: pregnant or nursing women, the sick, the elderly, young children, and travelers may abstain and make up the fast later or through acts of charity, such as feeding the needy.
This celebration transcends borders and unites diverse communities, from families in Latino neighborhoods with Muslim roots to mosques in large cities. At eRadio Global, we recognize the diversity of our audience and how Ramadan also resonates in Latino homes with the same warmth as our own traditions.
In which countries is Ramadan celebrated?
Although Ramadan is a global practice, some countries with a Muslim majority experience it with particular intensity due to their population and cultural traditions:
- Indonesia: With over 230 million Muslims, it is the country with the largest Islamic population in the world. Here, Ramadan includes rituals such as Nyadran (visits to graves) and the use of the bedug (giant drum) to announce iftar.
- Pakistan: Sirens and announcements in mosques mark the end of the daily fast, and the bazaars are filled with lights and sweets.
- Egypt: The streets are decorated with lanterns (fanoos), and the mesaharati wakes people up for suhoor with drums.
- Turkey: Drummers roam the streets at dawn, and iftar banquets are massive community events.
- Saudi Arabia: As the cradle of Islam, the holy cities of Mecca and Medina attract millions for special prayers like tarawih.
- Morocco: Harira (lentil soup) is a typical dish for iftar, and families gather to share dates and sweets.
In countries with Muslim minorities, such as Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, or Spain, Islamic communities also celebrate with devotion, adapting local traditions. For example, in Latin America, some Latino Muslims incorporate flavors like tamales or arepas into their iftar meals, showcasing the richness of cultural fusion.
How is the end of Ramadan celebrated?
The last day of Ramadan, today March 30, culminates with the preparations for Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," which begins tomorrow, March 31, following the confirmation of the new moon. This three-day celebration is a time of joy, gratitude, and community:
- Special prayer: At dawn on the first day of Eid, Muslims attend a collective prayer in mosques or open spaces, dressed in their finest clothes.
- Charity (Zakat al-Fitr): Before the prayer, food or money is donated so that the poorest can also celebrate, a gesture that reflects the spirit of solidarity in Islam.
- Festive foods: Families gather to enjoy banquets with traditional dishes such as biryani (spiced rice), samosas, sweets like baklava or maamoul, and refreshing drinks. In Egypt, for example, kunafa (cheese and pastry dessert) is a favorite.
- Gifts and visits: Children receive gifts (Eidi), such as money or toys, and families visit friends and cemeteries to honour the deceased.
- Decorations: Houses and streets are adorned with lights, stars, and crescent moons, especially in countries like Indonesia or the United Arab Emirates.
At eRadio Global, we see parallels with our Latin festivities: family unity, generosity, and food as the center of the celebration remind us of our own Christmas or Día de Muertos traditions.
A message of respect and unity
Ramadan and its culmination in Eid al-Fitr are much more than a month of fasting; they are a time of spiritual renewal, empathy, and community that transcends cultures and borders. From eRadio Global, we greet our Muslim listeners with a warm "Ramadan Mubarak" (Blessed Ramadan) and "Eid Mubarak" (Happy Eid), wishing them peace and joy. We invite everyone, regardless of their faith, to learn about and respect this beautiful tradition that unites millions with love and hope.
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