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 says about SAR26 (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. 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.

Eid Al Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, takes place on the 10th day of the final month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al Hijjah, and falls roughly two months after Eid Al Fitr. The festival marks the end of the hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. This second Eid commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his firstborn son, Ismail, on the command of God. Before Ismail could be sacrificed, God provided a lamb to be used in his place. Today, many Saudi families still sacrifice a sheep — or a goat. The meat is divided into three parts and then shared among family, friends, neighbors, and the less fortunate.
 

With most businesses and a few shops closed for three days, this is a quiet time to visit. On the other hand, it’s a fascinating chance to go out into the smaller villages and observe the celebration of this ancient tradition.

Saudi celebrates its rich history as a nation on Founding Day, which officially became a national holiday in 2022. The day honors Saudi’s founding in 1727 under Imam Mohammed bin Saud. People show their national pride by dressing in traditional attire, performing folk dances, and enjoying local food and drinks, including Saudi coffee and Jareesh. Founding Day is celebrated on Feb. 22 each year.

Sept. 23 marks Saudi’s National Day, celebrating the unification of the nations of Najd and Hijaz. In 1932, the merged nations became the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, so named after the House of Saud, a family led by Saudi’s first ruler, King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud.
 

The occasion is marked with fireworks, parades packed with floats showcasing the highlights of each region of Arabia, music, and traditional outfits. National pride is palpable everywhere: Streets are lined with Saudi flags, people decorate their cars and homes, and buildings are lit up in green for the day.
 

“National Day in Saudi has become hugely nationalistic over the past several years,” says Kristine MacMillan, a registered nurse who lived in Riyadh for six years. “Everyone dresses in green and white (the colors of the Saudi flag).”
 

Visiting on National Day is a treat as joy and festivities radiate across Saudi. To take part in some of these events, pack something green to wear and then head to Riyadh for the largest celebrations. “In the city of Riyadh, the night is celebrated with fireworks scattering the skies at several locations around the city,” MacMillan says. “It’s very festive.”|
 

If you celebrate National Saudi Day in Jeddah, you’ll discover a different but equally fun atmosphere filled with events and stands lining the Coastal Corniche. In addition to parades, there are incredible sales for those who love to shop. To sum it up in the words of one former expat, “National Day is a day when Saudis celebrate their past and anticipate their future.”