In honour of Eid al-Fitr, a Muslim celebration recognizing the end of the holy month of Ramadan, there are several events planned around the GTA over the next few days.
Known as the festival of breaking the fast, Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important celebrations in the Islamic faith. The event is usually recognized with prayer, spending time with friends and family, and giving back to the community.
From festivals geared towards kids to bazaars with plenty of opportunities to support local businesses, here are some events happening in the GTA this weekend.
March 29
GTA Ramadan Festival
The GTA Ramadan Festival is back for another three-day celebration featuring market booths, live performances, delicious food and fun activities for the whole family.
The festival runs from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m. March 28-30 at the Red Rose Centre in Mississauga.
Tickets to the event are free and available here.
Mississauga’s Eid Pop-Up Shop
Celebrate Eid in style with Mississauga’s Eid pop-up shop. Located at Saira Sheikh Bridals in Mississauga, this event invites attendees to dive into the richness of Pakistani culture and browse their collection of traditional wear, Arabic abayas, elegant turbans, and jewellery.
Find more information and register for the event here.
Eid Bazaar by SocialAddicts
Enjoy a pre-Eid celebration at Oakville’s St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre on Saturday from 2-10 p.m.
The event boasts plenty of shopping, with vendors selling traditional, stone, and handmade jewellery, shoes, bags, perfumes, hijabs, accessories, and clothing from various cultures, including Pakistani, Afghani, and Iraqi styles. Additionally, vendors will be onsite selling kids’ and men’s clothing, khussas, and bangles.
Other vendors will be selling artistic works including paintings, resin pieces, and calligraphy, while Henna artists will be onsite.
Plus, if you’re bringing young children, they can look forward to face painting, nail art, and a Ramadan poetry contest for kids. Plus, kids can enjoy claw machines, live videogames, toys, and other surprises.
Attendees can also grab a bite to eat, indulging in a variety of delicious snacks and a charcuterie board to help you break your fast and a variety of local restaurants and eateries will be serving up delicious meals.
Find out more about this event here.
March 30
Embrace Islamic Society Eid Celebration
Embrace Islamic Society is hosting an Eid celebration at Vaughan’s indoor playground Playcious from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday.
Organizers say that if Eid falls on March 30, as it is expected to, their Sunday event will feature refreshments instead of an iftar meal. But if a moon sighting means that Eid is on March 31 instead, the Sunday event will transition into an iftar gathering.
Tickets are free for children under three years old, while general admission for attendees three and older are $24.50 and include refreshments (or iftar if applicable), gifts for children, and access to many of the venue’s play areas and activities. Plus, organizers have planned a Kahoot Quiz Competition for attendees, with prizes for participating children. Refreshments will be served between 6 and 6:45 p.m., while the onsite cafe will be selling additional food and drinks during the event.
Tickets are available here.
ISNA Canada’s Kids Eid al-Fitr Fun Fest
The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is hosting a fun-filled event for families with children to celebrate the holiday.
This indoor event will be hosted at the ISNA Canada building in Mississauga. The fun fest is scheduled for 5-10 p.m. and features bouncy castles, face painting, henna, trivia, exotic animals, and more.
Tickets are free and available here.
iTrust Community Centre Eid Day Celebration
The iTrust Eid Celebration is returning for a fifth year. The event is set to take over Dunbarton High School in Pickering from 8:30 – 11 a.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are $5, and the event boasts lots of family-friendly attractions, including an animal show, a balloon artist, popcorn and cotton candy. There are two scheduled prayers, and attendees will be able to enjoy a breakfast of nourishing Nihari and Halwa Puri.
Find more information and buy tickets here.
