Muslims Across Europe Celebrate with Tradition, Reflection, Resilience
As Muslims across Europe prepare to mark Eid al-Adha this week, the mood is a blend of joy, deep-rooted tradition, and quiet reflection on the suffering of communities around the world. From the festive gatherings in the UK's West Midlands to the warm familial customs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Eid remains a deeply meaningful time — a spiritual milestone that both uplifts and unites.
>>Eid in the Park: A Communal Celebration in the UK
In Birmingham's Small Heath Park and Wolverhampton's West Park, tens of thousands are expected to gather this Friday for Eid in the Park, a celebration that has become a cornerstone of Muslim life in the West Midlands. Organized by community groups such as the Green Lane Mosque and Community Centre (GLMCC), the event is not only a prayer gathering but also a cultural festival — bringing together families, friends, and neighbors in the open air.
Yet amid the festive spirit, there is a shared sense of global awareness. 'I think it would be an understatement to say that our hearts are with people who are suffering right now,' said Haniya Aadam of GLMCC, acknowledging the weight of ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises across the Muslim world. This year's Eid, she says, carries 'a collective grief and hope.'
For many in the UK's diverse Muslim population, Eid al-Adha is both a spiritual duty and a day of public expression — of identity, solidarity, and faith in action.
>>Bosnia's Bajram: A Tapestry of Tradition and Family
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Eid is known as Bajram, the festival is steeped in intimate family rituals and rich culinary traditions. Eid morning begins early, with the men of the family attending the Fajr (dawn) prayer followed by the Eid prayer, after which the family reconvenes at home for warm greetings, hand-kissing, and blessings.
A centuries-old tradition continues as families serve lavish meals that include beloved dishes like sarma (cabbage rolls), Bosanski lonac (Bosnian pot), dolma, and Bey's soup. Desserts such as baqlava, ruzica, and tufahije are lovingly prepared — some passed down through generations.
Children play a central role in the Bosnian Eid, receiving "bajramluk" — gifts of money or sweets — after visiting their elders. The joy of children is mirrored by nostalgic practices: sewing new clothes, reciting "tekbirs" in mosques, and gathering at the home of the oldest family member on the first day.
The second day is more solemn — known as the Day of the Martyrs, many families visit cemeteries to honor the deceased. In some regions, a unique tradition called the 'Female Eid' once marked a fourth day, when women who had hosted guests for days would finally gather to celebrate amongst themselves.
>>A Festival of Faith, Reflection, and Forgiveness
Across Europe, Eid is more than a religious holiday — it is a cultural anchor. It serves as a moment of renewal, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Disputes are set aside, families reconnect, and communities come together — not only to share meals and exchange gifts but also to remember those in need.
Whether under grey skies in the UK or under Balkan summer sun, the essence of Eid remains the same: a sacred celebration of sacrifice, charity, and unity. As families pray, feast, and reflect, this year's Eid is marked by both resilience and remembrance — a festival for the present, rooted in the past, and mindful of a hopeful future.
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Friendship through baking - Living - Al-Ahram Weekly
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