What festival marks the end of Ramadan?

The festival that marks the end of Ramadan is Eid al-Fitr. Its name means “festival of breaking the fast,” referring to the conclusion of the month’s dawn-to-sunset fasting.

Eid al-Fitr begins on 1 Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Because Islamic months begin with the sighting of a new crescent—or, in some communities, an astronomical calculation—the date can differ between countries. The celebration commonly starts with a special congregational prayer, followed by family visits, festive meals, gifts, and charitable giving.

A common mix-up is Eid al-Adha, the other major Islamic festival. Eid al-Adha falls during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and is associated with the Hajj pilgrimage and the sacrifice commemorating Abraham’s willingness to obey God. Eid al-Fitr, by contrast, follows Ramadan and emphasizes gratitude, charity, and communal celebration. Muslims also commonly give Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer.