Celebration Theme Ideas
Eid al-Fitr means “festival of the breaking of the fast” and is a significant Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Eid al-Fitr signifies the culmination of this period of fasting, prayer and self-reflection. It is an opportunity for believers to reflect on their journey of spiritual growth and renewal.
Eid al-Fitr, also known to Muslims as the First Eid or as the Lesser Eid, falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar and does not always fall on the same calendar date each year. It is the first of the two official holidays celebrated by Muslims each year. Depending on the country, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for one-three days.
For Muslims, it is a time for joy, reflection and giving charity. They celebrate Eid al-Fitr by coming together with family and friends to rejoice with food, drink and gifts. People often dress in new clothes and attend special Eid prayers in mosques or open spaces. Since it’s also a time for charity, Muslims are encouraged to give Zakat al-Fitr, a donation of food to the poor.
Eid al-Fitr has culturally gained the nickname of “The Sugar Feast” or “The Festival of Sweets” because of the many sweet treats enjoyed on this holiday. There are many traditional dishes that are enjoyed by Muslims during Eid al-Fitr, many of which can easily be prepared with products produced by Maple Leaf Foods. The following are some menu suggestions that can be featured at your Eid al-Fitr celebration.
Festival of Sweets Menu
In keeping with the theme, offer your residents sweet drinks such as Mango Juice or any other type of Juice
Chicken, Mushroom and Vegetable Biryani, featuring Maple Leaf Chicken Breast Chunk Meat (link to recipe) is one of the most popular and well-known dishes of the Middle East.
Rendang Daging or more commonly known as Beef Rendang is a flavourful beef curry that is served with rice. Maple Leaf’s Pulled Beef is a perfect fit for this traditional dish.
Chicken Kofta in Tomato Gravy is a rich dish made with tender chicken meatballs in a creamy tomato-based gravy. Instead of using chicken meatballs, Maple Leaf’s fully cooked diced chicken is a great substitute. Serve with warmed garlic naan. (link to diced chicken)
Khoresh-e Fesenjoon is a Persian Chicken Stew with pomegranate and walnuts. Fesenjoon is a culinary treasure from Iran. It’s a simple dish that features walnut powder and lightly browned chicken pieces in a pomegranate sauce. Maple Leaf’s IQF chicken thigh bone-in or Boneless skinless chicken thighs are both a great ingredient choice for this recipe. (link to both products)
End your meal with Eid al-Fitr-inspired desserts such as Baklava, Custard with Mangos, Crème Caramel or cookies are all traditional sweets served at Eid al-Fitr
Themed Activities
For a memorable Eid al-Fitr in your home, consider attending Eid prayers, giving back to your community or engaging your residents in the following:
Decorations: the symbols of Eid al-Fitr are the crescent moon and star, lanterns and the colour green. Have your residents make decorations such as crescent moons and stars that can be hung around your home as decorations. Also, decorate your dining tables with lanterns made by your residents.
Bake with your Residents: enjoy the Festival of Sweets with your residents and have them assist in baking cookies, cupcakes or other favourite sweet treats.
Education Tea: host an afternoon tea that explains the meaning of Eid al-Kitr, it’s origins and traditions.
Sharing Session with Residents: take time to reflect on the lessons and spiritual experiences gained during the month of Ramadan.
