Oman's religious festivals

The great annual festivals celebrated by Muslims across the world are conscientiously observed in Oman. Pre-eminent amongst Islamic festivals is the month-long Ramadan, celebrated during the lunar month of Ramadan (exact dates vary from year to year).

Ramadan

Ramadan is a time of fasting and religious reflection during which Muslims are expected to purify mind and body and reaffirm their relationship with God. During Ramadan, Muslims are required to fast from dawn to dusk, while music and dancing is also frowned upon. 

The breaking of the fast at dusk, known as iftar, is the highlight of the day, often with lavish amounts of food and drink being consumed to compensate for the day’s efforts (ironically, it is said that many people actually gain weight during Ramadan). Special “iftar tents” are erected in many places, from village squares to five-star hotels, with sumptuous Arabian buffets. Things get even more colourful and busy during Eid Al Fitr, the day marking the end of Ramadan.

Eid Al Adha

The region’s second major festival is Eid Al Adha, the “Festival of the Sacrifice”. Falling around 70 days after the end of Ramadan, this celebrates the willingness of Abraham (or Ibrahim, as he is known to Muslims) to sacrifice his son Ismail at the command of God (although having proved his obedience, he was permitted to sacrifice a ram instead). Large numbers of animals are slaughtered and the meat divided amongst the poor during the festival, making for a rather grisly sight in Oman: huge numbers of carcasses can often be seen literally piled up by the roadside.