Cairo - Event

Cairo's Muslims regard Ramadan with deep respect, fasting throughout daylight hours. But as the sun sets, the volume rises and crowds gather in the city centre to eat, drink tea and hear music.

As sunset approaches, you'll hear blasts of car horns as people head for their sundown meal, iftar. Some public bodies and restaurants set up tables outdoors to provide the poor with a feast, the duty of all good Muslims.

Iftar traditionally begins with dates or olives, progressing to meat, rice and vegetables, and maybe sweet pastries drenched in syrup and nuts or semolina desserts for those who can afford it. After a satisfying iftar, the devoted head to the mosques for prayer, lingering afterwards in the city centre, which buzzes with life, especially in the Old City.

Markets and cafés are bustling. You'll hear music drifting along the street and out of small alleyways, and locals chatting, smoking sheesha pipes and drinking hot hibiscus or the all-important mint tea.

One of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims deepen their faith and come closer to Allah through fasting and abstinence from all temptations. At the end of the month is Eid-al-Fitr, a joyous three-day festival of family and friends' get togethers and well-earned feasting.

Crowds gather at city-centre mosques, and on the streets outside, for Eid's sunrise Salat al-Eid prayers. Afterwards, a feeling of excitement rules as everyone greets each other joyfully and families head home to exchange gifts and put on new clothes. Over the next few days, you can join in the festivities with outings to funfairs and amusement parks, and picnics in the parks.

Please note that this date is an estimate based on the visibility of the lunar crescent, so Eid may actually start 1-2 days earlier or later than predicted.