The ninth month of the Hijri is the holy month of Ramadan, which concludes with a big three-day celebration to break the fast for another year. Ramadan celebrations adorning the city with lights and shining lanterns in Riyadh can also be found across Saudi. In Jeddah, Ramadan provides opportunities to browse kiosks, or “bastat,” spread throughout Al Balad and open 24/7. While iftar, breaking the fast, is celebrated every day after sunset throughout Ramadan, this festive celebration, known as Eid Al Fitr, marks the end of Ramadan, and the end of the holy month’s intermittent fasting.

After a month of fasting and reflection, this Eid celebration is about sharing what you have with others, including giving Zakat Al Fitr, a special payment to charity. “The minimum amount due is the equivalent of about two kilograms of wheat flour, rice or other staple foodstuff, per member of the household, including dependents, even if they do not live in the same house,” says charitable organization Islamic Relief. The group sas about  26 (US$7) per head is a safe estimate.

After special Eid prayers, family and friends tend to gather to celebrate. Children receive Eidia gifts, which can include money, new clothes and toys. Everyone enjoys a traditional feast of delicacies, such as mugalgal, spiced chopped lamb prepared with tomatoes; jareesh, ground wheat mixed with meat and spices; and many sweet treats. In fact, Eid Al Fitr frequently goes by the nickname Sweet Eid because of the many traditional honey- and date-infused cookies and dishes associated with the holiday.

On the first evening of Eid Al Fitr, people go out in their finest attire — often new clothes purchased for the holiday — to see fireworks and wish each other “Eid Mubarak,” which means Happy Eid. It is not unusual to see women’s hands and feet decorated in henna during this celebration.

Visitors should be advised that despite this initial flurry of activity, the majority of shops and venues will be closed for three days, as people gather in their homes and stay within their family circles.