Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations in Saudi Arabia
Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are annual events organized across the Kingdom's provinces during the days of Eid Al-Fitr. They honor the occasion's significance for Muslims, reflect the people's joy, and highlight the culture of Saudi society during the days of Al-Eid.
Eid Al-Fitr celebrations in the past
In the past, preparations for Eid Al-Fitr began days before the occasion, with families getting new clothes, especially for children, and preparing drinks, food, incense, and oud. Housewives cleaned their homes, set up cushions, Dilal (coffee pots), and pitchers, made and sifted Jareesh, collected rice, and decorated their homes with lanterns at night, which were illuminated with silver oil lamps.
On the night of Eid, girls adorned their hands with Henna designs and prepared "Al-Khareeta," a small fabric pouch in which they collect the Eidiya (Eid gifts) received during "Al-Hawama", which is an old tradition, where children visit their neighbors' homes in the last days of Ramadan to receive Eidiya such as Qareed (a type of chickpeas), Tahini Halawa, honey Halawah, roasted wheat, or some money. They would sing loudly and in unison: "Abi Eidi, Aadt Aalikum fi Hal Zeinah" (Give me my Eidiya, may the Eid return in good health) or "Atouna Eidi, Aadat Alaykum... Ja'al Al-Faqr Ma Yudkhul Alaykum" (Give us our Eidiya, may the Eid return, and may poverty never come to your home). The household would then bring out a basket of palm fronds filled with Eidiya to distribute to children. The children spent their money from Eidiya on toys, especially Eid swings, and bought sweets and toys.
After Eid prayer, men and children gathered in the neighborhood square, spreading carpets and palm mats on the ground. Each family brought a home-cooked meal, with dishes varying from one region to another, typically well-known local traditional foods. The simple celebration begins with greetings, exchanging wishes, and giving gifts to children. Everyone shared the Eid meal, sampling all the dishes, and even passersby or residents may join in. The first day was reserved for immediate family, while the second and third were for visiting relatives and neighbors. Residents made sure to visit the elderly first, followed by the sick and then other neighbors, offering Arabic coffee and traditional food.
On Eid day, women wore new dresses, gold jewelry, necklaces, and watches, and female family members styled their hair, as beauty salons were unavailable. Women gathered in one of the neighborhood homes, each bringing her own Eidiya, and then set off on a tour to greet their neighbors. It was also common for neighbors to exchange plates of food.
Sweets played a significant role during Eid Al-Fitr, whether homemade or purchased from sweet shops. These include: Al-Ghraybah, Al-Maamoul, Al-Hareesah, Halawa Tahiniah, Halawa Labaniah, Halawat Al-Lado, Halawat Tabtab Al-Janna, Al-Basbousa, Al-Debiyaza, Almond Hareesah, Al-Louziyah, Al-Halkoum, Al-Maqliyah Al-Hejaziah, Beid Al-Coucou, and more.
Public squares host traditional celebrations, filled with excitement for Eid, with the participation of folkloric troupes that perform chants, poetry recitals, and traditional arts throughout the days of Al-Eid.
Eid Al-Fitr events
Eid celebrations vary from one province to another and depend on the organizing body. Activities include fireworks, theatrical performances, musical concerts, live music performances by oud and violin players, performance groups, comedy artists, Eid parades, the Saudi spread, and traditional markets.
Public gardens, parks, municipal squares, and beaches witness various celebratory activities for Eid Al-Fitr, including cultural, sporting, and theatrical events, traditional tent performances, challenge and thrill shows for the youth, various traditional dances, family and children's programs, cultural competitions with prize drawings, entertainment games, distribution of Eid sweets, heritage and song performances, poetry evenings, comedic segments, fireworks, Saudi Ardah, and a variety of social and traditional programs, national parades, and diverse shows.
The celebrations also include choral operettas and traditional arts such as Al-Khobaiti, Al-Yanbu'awi, Al-Samari, and Al-Mizmar, along with competitions, fire performances, magic tricks, virtual reality games for both children and adults, and synchronized audio shows with dancing fountains.
Moreover, Eid Al-Fitr celebrations feature Chinese acrobatics, fire diving, motorbikes, bicycles, face painting, roller skating, children's games, cartoon costumes, the "Bnanshe" show, the "Trampoline" performance, paragliding, snake shows, skill contests, children's theater, poetry recitations, stories, "Saudi Tele-Match" games, which are various sports and entertainment activities, heritage performances, water games, sports competitions, trained animal shows, and individual skill games such as tightrope walking, balancing on a bike, and ball balancing.
In addition, festive events include artistic performances, interactive activities, photo booths, food and drink carts, interactive theaters, carnival games, air games, puppet troupes, evening gatherings, children's ceremonies, booths for productive families, global performances, food stands, challenge game stations, photography booths, Saudi coffee stalls, and international coffee booths.
Organizing bodies of Eid Al-Fitr celebrations
While Eid Al-Fitr celebrations are a social event, several government bodies contribute to organizing and holding these celebrations in various provinces of the Kingdom. These include the General Entertainment Authority, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing represented by the municipalities and local councils, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development represented by social development centers in provinces and governorates, the Diplomatic Quarter in the capital, Riyadh, the Saudi National Museum, and prison administrations in the provinces, which organize events for inmates. Additionally, hospitals organize Eid celebrations for patients hospitalized in their white beds.