On a Wednesday morning in Washington Square Park, hundreds of Muslims gathered to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. People arrived in colorful traditional garments like galabeyas and salwar kameez, accessorized with jewels and kajal eyeliner. Notable figures like comedians Ramy Youssef and Hasan Minhaj attended the event, which is known for drawing a diverse crowd representative of the global Muslim community. The gathering was started over 10 years ago by the Islamic Center at N.Y.U. to provide a memorable experience and create a sense of community in New York City.
Imam Khalid Latif led the morning prayer before giving a sermon at the park’s Roman arch, emphasizing the importance of coming together as Muslims in a city as large as New York. Attendees arrived as early as 7:30 a.m. to greet friends and family with cries of “Eid mubarak” before heading off to homes for house hopping, a tradition involving sharing food. The New York Times interviewed attendees about their outfits, favorite Eid memories, and what inspired them to celebrate the holiday in Washington Square Park, highlighting messages of faith, culture, and family.
People like artist Kojo Muharib and comedian Hasan Minhaj shared how Eid inspired their outfits, with themes of faith and cultural heritage influencing their clothing choices. Couples Zeinab, Abderrahman, and Emna Bakillah opted for traditional Tunisian and Moroccan garments, with Emna honoring her late mother on the holiday. Journalist Narmeen Choudhury and pharmacist Abdul Quadir Choudhury discussed their Bangladeshi heritage and the significance of Eid prayers over the years. Each attendee brought their unique perspective and experiences to the celebration, showcasing the diversity and unity within the Muslim community.
Graphic designer Sarah Elawad shared her experience of connecting with another Eid celebrant on the train, emphasizing the sense of community and shared celebration on the holiday. Dancer Isa Hussain and student Alhassane Barry embraced their cultural roots through their outfits, expressing pride in their heritage. Saima Anjam discussed the importance of looking one’s best on Eid and the value of being part of a diverse and accepting community during the holiday. Each individual brought their traditions, memories, and personal touches to the celebration, creating a colorful tapestry of faith, culture, and community spirit in Washington Square Park.
The diverse and vibrant atmosphere of the Eid gathering in Washington Square Park reflected the unity and joy of the holiday, with attendees sharing stories, memories, and expressions of their faith and cultural heritage. The event served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the Muslim community in New York City, showcasing the beauty of coming together to celebrate and connect. As the day continued with house hopping and festive gatherings, the spirit of Eid al-Fitr remained alive in the park, echoing the values of faith, family, and community that the holiday represents.
