Ramadan and Eid in Zanzibar: A Time of Faith, Community, and Celebration

Zanzibar, with its rich Swahili culture and deep Islamic traditions, embraces the holy month of Ramadan with devotion and a strong sense of community. As the crescent moon signals the start of the month, the island slows down, shifting its rhythm to prayer, fasting, and reflection. From the peaceful streets of Stone Town to the quiet coastal villages, Ramadan in Zanzibar is a truly special time.

The Spirit of Ramadan in Zanzibar

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, the month in which the first verses of the Quran are believed to have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It is a sacred time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. Fasting during Ramadan is meant to provide an opportunity for reflection, help foster spiritual growth, and strengthen one's relationship with God. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and, as such, is a fundamental aspect of how Muslims are meant to live their lives.

Since it is not easy to fast all day, some Muslims are exempt from fasting. This includes children, menstruating women, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the sick, and travelers. However, even within these groups, some individuals choose to fast. Some Zanzibaris even extend their fasting period by 1-2 weeks as a special act of devotion to Allah.

In Zanzibar, where Islam is the predominant religion, daily life changes significantly. Work and business hours are often adjusted to accommodate fasting, and a tranquil atmosphere settles over the island.

For hotel and restaurant employees, it is often a special challenge to coordinate breaking the fast with their work hours.

As sunset approaches, the call to prayer (adhan) echoes from the mosques, signaling the time for iftar—the meal that breaks the fast. Families and friends gather to enjoy dates, fresh juices, and traditional Zanzibari dishes such as urojo (a tangy soup), mishkaki (grilled meat skewers), and coconut-infused rice. The sense of togetherness is strong, and it’s common to see locals sharing meals with neighbors and those in need.

Just before sunrise, most of those fasting have another meal. This is known as sahur or sehri.

Start and end of Ramadan

Each year, the start of Ramadan shifts by eleven days. This is because the traditional Islamic calendar is calculated differently from the Christian Gregorian calendar. It is only 354 days long and is based on the moon. Ramadan begins with the new moon. To mark the arrival of the new moon, or the first visible moon after the new moon, the "moon sighting" is used as a criterion for the start of Ramadan. In Zanzibar, this moon sighting can sometimes shift by 1-2 days if the moon is not visible due to weather conditions. This year, the fasting month will take place from February 28 to March 30. In 2026, it will be from February 17 to March 18, and in 2027, it will be from February 7 to March 8.

At the start of Ramadan and during the fasting period, Muslims greet each other with phrases such as "Ramadan Kareem," "Ramadan Mubarak," or "Eid Mubarak." These greetings are meant to wish each other a blessed fasting period. "Ramadan Kareem" translates to "Have a generous Ramadan." "Ramadan Mubarak" translates to "Blessed Ramadan." "Eid Mubarak" translates to "Happy Festival."

Evening Prayers and Night Markets

After iftar, many Zanzibaris head to the mosque for Taraweeh prayers, special nightly prayers performed during Ramadan. The most famous mosques, like Masjid Malindi and Masjid Muzammil, fill with worshippers seeking spiritual connection.

For visitors, this is also a wonderful time to explore Zanzibar’s night markets, where the streets come alive with stalls selling delicious Ramadan treats. At Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town, one can savor Zanzibar pizza, spiced kebabs, and freshly grilled seafood—a true feast for the senses.

The Joyous Celebration of Eid al-Fitr

The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid al-Fitr, a festive holiday celebrating the completion of the month of fasting. The day begins with a special Eid prayer at the mosques, where thousands gather in colorful attire, offering thanks and seeking blessings.

Days before, the fabric shops in the city are filled with women selecting colorful fabrics, some adorned with golden or glittering decorations, for new dresses.

After prayers, families visit loved ones, exchange gifts, and enjoy extravagant feasts. Traditional dishes such as pilau(spiced rice), biryani, and sweet treats like kaimati (fried dough balls in syrup) fill the tables. Children receive Eidiyah (small gifts or money), and the island comes alive with laughter, music, and celebrations.

In Zanzibar, Eid is not just one day—the celebrations often continue for several days, with cultural performances, beach gatherings, and even boat excursions. It’s a time of joy, generosity, and renewal of faith.

Is it recommended to visit Zanzibar during Ramadan?

For travelers, visiting Zanzibar during Ramadan and Eid offers a unique glimpse into the island’s rich traditions. While some restaurants and businesses may operate on reduced hours, the experience of witnessing the deep spirituality and communal warmth is truly rewarding. Respecting local customs—such as dressing modestly and avoiding eating in public during fasting hours—enhances the experience and fosters deeper cultural understanding.

While the island observes the holy month with fasting and prayer, tourists are still welcome, and hotels and resorts continue to operate. Some restaurants may have adjusted hours, and it is not allowed to eat, drink or smoke in public, even while sitting in a car, during daylight hours. However, many hotels cater to international visitors as usual.

Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is a wonderful time to visit, as the island comes alive with celebrations, special feasts, and cultural events. If you respect local customs and embrace the spirit of the season, traveling to Zanzibar during Ramadan can be a unique and enriching experience.

Ramadan in Matlai

We try to accommodate the circumstances of fasting as much as possible. Our gardeners begin their workday earlier in the morning, as soon as it gets light, and take a longer break during midday when it is hottest. The work of the kitchen staff is admirable: they cook for the guests and are surrounded by delicious smells all day, but they are not allowed to eat themselves. When tasting food, they don’t swallow it but spit it out. The butlers serve drinks but are not allowed to drink themselves. It is not an easy time for any of the staff.

Whether joining in an iftar meal, exploring the festive markets, or celebrating Eid with locals, Ramadan in Zanzibar is a heartwarming and unforgettable experience—one that beautifully showcases the island’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality.