Shia and Sunni Muslims celebrate Eid together this year

NEWSROOM – The Eid al-Fitr celebration this year was unlike previous years, as Sunni and Shia Muslims united in celebrating Eid on the same day after years of differing dates. In Khanqin, a city with a mixed Sunni and Shia population, both communities joined hands for the holiday, breaking away from the tradition of separate celebrations.

Meanwhile, in Duhok’s Nazarke neighborhood, a cherished cultural tradition persevered as residents gathered for their annual communal meal. Over 600 individuals were treated to a feast prepared by a prominent local figure, reinforcing the enduring bonds within the community.

In the Rawanduz district of the Kurdistan Region, young men from Berzew village kicked off their Eid festivities in customary fashion. Carrying trays of food, they made their way to the mosque, paying homage to age-old community customs. Hamedamin Zeweiy, a resident, emphasized the significance of these traditions, stating to 964media, “It’s our ancestral tradition. We all celebrate Eid according to old customs, bringing food from our homes and eating together here.”

The streets of Hayy Al-Saraya in southern Iraq’s Amara city resonated with the lively beats of drums as children and youth paraded, collecting “Eidiyah” from locals—a traditional gift marking Eid celebrations. Leading this vibrant procession was “Musaharati” Abu Tabiba, renowned for his role in waking people for the pre-dawn meal, Suhoor, during Ramadan, using his drum.

Adding to the tapestry of communal celebrations, Al-Zubair, west of Basrah, witnessed dozens of residents from Saket al-Majassa coming together for the customary Eid breakfast. Families on the street unite each year to share a hearty feast of chicken and meat, collectively prepared by all local residents.