On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, which is celebrated annually following the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, JTBNA wishes everyone and our beloved Jordan a blessed and peaceful Eid.
As the last day of Ramadan ends after a 30-day period of fasting, streets in Jordan become adorned with colorful decorations, homes fill with the smell of spices and dishes, and the vibrant spirit of Eid spreads across the kingdom. Jordanians across the kingdom, including Christian citizens, enjoy the Eid celebration; it is a national holiday spent over three to four days filled with joy, traditions, and togetherness.
Here are some of our favorite Eid traditions in Jordan:
1. Family gatherings are the heart of Eid celebrations and Jordanian families always plan a festive lunch with family members on the first day of Eid, which usually features delicious Middle Eastern dishes such as maqluba (a rice, eggplant, and meat dish), stuffed zucchini and grape leaves, and Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish.
2. Shopping at local stores and malls, which are filled with Eid sales and celebratory decorations, and buying gifts for friends, children, and relatives as a way to show generosity and kindness, which is a common tradition that Jordanian Muslims follow during Eid.
3. Visiting friends and extended family members at their homes to wish them a happy Eid, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea together over fun-filled conversations.
(Photo credit: Abdali Mall Facebook)
4. Indulging in "kaak and maamol," the famous sugar-coated date and nuts-stuffed cookies, that people especially enjoy during Eid. Here is a wonderful recipe if you’d like to try making them at home.
5. Attending one of the many Eid events that are organized across Jordan, such as the Eid celebrations in the south of Jordan in Aqaba's Ayla Oasis Resort that features culinary experiences inspired by traditional bedouin cooking, live musical performances by local and international artists and DJs, wellness programs, and kid-friendly activities. Check out the celebrations happening this year at Ayla, Aqaba.
(Ayla Oasis, Aqaba; Photo credit: Erika Hobart)
