Muslims all across Greater Manchester will celebrate Eid al-Fitr today following the moon sighting from Saudi Arabia.
Eid al-Fitr is an extremely significant day in the Islamic calendar and marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan which has seen Muslims all around the world partake in a period of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on a different date each year because it follows the cycle of the moon.
This year, Eid will either be celebrated on Friday, April 21 or Saturday, April 22. Timings and dates vary according to the country a person is in as well as what tradition a person may follow. For example while Saudi Arabia sighted the moon last night, other countries such as Japan, Thailand, Iran, Indonesia, and Oman said Eid the moon was not sighted so they will celebrate Eid on Saturday.
Read more: The joys of Ramadan - what it's like and how it feels to break fast
This means many Muslims across Greater Manchester may celebrate Eid on a separate day from others. Fortunately, there are celebration events for Eid taking place all across the region which have factored this in, with some events holding two-day celebrations so everyone can get involved.
We've taken a look at some of the Eid celebrations happening across Greater Manchester this weekend.
Eid in the Park - Fallowfield
Platt Fields Park will once again be host to one of Manchester's biggest Eid celebrations. The event will be held on both Friday and Saturday.
Muslims from all across the region are expected to join in congregational prayer in the morning with the rest of the day allowing many to celebrate with their families at the funfair. Food and drink will also be available on the site across the two days.
Eid prayers on both days will start at 9.30am.
Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6LA
Eid in the Park - Oldham
Berries Field Park will hold outdoor prayers for Eid from 9.30am on Friday and Saturday. Stalls will also be available supplying food, drink, and games to play for the whole family.
The event will also feature separate facilities for men and women
Berries Field Park, Oldham, OL9 6RW
Qwaali evening for families - Trafford
Promoted as a family-focused event, a Qwaali evening will be hosted at Limelight Health and Well-being Hub on the evening of Eid on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 5pm to 9.30pm. There will be food and other stalls for people to purchase food.
Limelight Health and Well-being Hub, Saint Brides Way, Stretford, M16 9NW
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