Billions of Muslims, including more than 50,000 in Portugal, embrace Ramadan from February 28 (or when the new moon is sighted) until March 30, known as “Eid al-Fitr” ( Festival of the Breaking of the Fast)
But what does Ramadan consist of? When does it take place each year? And how does Lisbon prepare for this season? In this article we try to briefly answer each of these questions, exploring their profound spiritual and cultural impact.
What is it? And what does it consist of?
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is celebrated by believers all over the world. During this period, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sexual relations.
There are some exceptions to fasting, such as the elderly, pregnant or menstruating women, the sick and travelers.
However, it is not only a time of abstinence, but also of spiritual purification, through the practice of charity, intense prayer and reading the Koran – the holy book of Islam.
When does Ramadan take place?
There is no fixed date for Ramadan and this annual variation is due to the fact that the Islamic calendar is lunar. In this sense, it is shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in most of the Western world. Therefore, each year, this celebration moves the beginning of the year forward by 10 or 11 days.
Occasionally, this can lead to Ramadan being celebrated more than once a year. According to a Euronews report, this scenario will occur in 2030: “at the beginning of the year (around January 5) and at the end (around December 25).
The start of this season is therefore determined by the sighting of the moon at the end of the month of Shaaban (the eighth of the Islamic calendar). If it cannot be seen, astronomical calculations are applied to determine the start; the same procedure is used to determine the end of Ramadan.
How will it be experienced in Lisbon?
According to information from Agência Lusa, quoted by Observador, one of the epicenters of Ramadan in the Portuguese capital is the Lisbon Central Mosque.
There, it is estimated that around two thousand meals a day will be available to break the fast at sunset (known as iftar)
In addition, recitations, lectures and religious education classes are planned, among other activities, such as the distribution of clothes to the most disadvantaged.
In general, Ramadan ends with Eid-al-Fitr, a day marked by festive meals and a vibrant atmosphere of rejoicing.
A brief gastronomic look
In Lisbon, there are also several Arab restaurants where you can try some of the foods that mark Ramadan. For example, at Jafra (Rua de Alves Torgo) there is a themed menu alluding to the season, available all day (for €25).
Alternatively, you can also take the opportunity to ‘dive in’ to this gastronomic itinerary dedicated to the best of Lebanese cuisine in Lisbon. Either way, this season reflects the multicultural side of the city!