Celebrate Eid al-Fitr at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Enjoy storytelling, art making and more this Eid al-Fitr!
What is Eid al-Fitr?
As Ramadan comes to a close, many friends and families are celebrating the end of the season: Eid al-Fitr. The holiday, also known as just Eid, is a celebration that translates to “festival of the breaking of the fast.” It is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar and marks the end of Ramadan, a holy month during which Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food and drink.
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On April 5, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum will offer an Eid celebration filled with activities for children and families. Presented in partnership with Council Member Shahana Hanif, the event will feature performances by the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts, interactive drumming inspired by Sufi traditions, a live musical performance from the Wahab Orchestra, and delicious local foods provided by the Turkish Cultural Center of Brooklyn.
“As the first Muslim woman elected to the New York City Council, I’m excited to celebrate another joyful Eid al-Fitr at Brooklyn Children’s Museum,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “This event has become a beloved tradition, bringing together Brooklyn’s beautifully diverse families and creating a space where young people can engage with the vibrant cultures of Muslim communities across our city and beyond. In a time when fostering understanding and unity is more important than ever. I’m proud to see this celebration grow each year.”
The tradition dates back to 624 CE, and is observed by some as a three-day holiday and can include prayer services, the eating of sweet treats, time spent visiting relatives, dressing up in new clothes, and decorating with lights. Common greetings include “Eid Mubarak” (“Blessed Eid”) and “Eid Sa’id” (“Happy Eid”). Though the holiday is widely recognized by many organizations, it was not recognized as a school holiday until 2023.
Some holiday traditions include attending prayers, wearing new clothes, visiting family and friends, sharing meals, exchanging gifts, giving to charity, and practicing forgiveness with one another.
Celebrate Together
“Eid al-Fitr celebrates community, reflection, and joy after a month of fasting and prayer. This year’s celebration at Brooklyn Children’s Museum will bring these values to life through food, music, and art that showcases the diversity of traditions found across Brooklyn and beyond,” says Hana Elwell, Vice President of Exhibits and Education at Brooklyn Children’s Museum. “Working alongside Muslim organizations throughout the borough, we’re proud that over the past seven years, this festival has grown into a cherished space where families experience these rich cultural traditions firsthand and build lasting connections that embody Brooklyn’s multicultural spirit.”
At the museum, on April 5th, families can expect a wide range of cultural activities and events. Some of them include:
- Storytelling and artmaking (using sweet fruit, dates) to learn about Eid with The Culture Tree
- Bangladeshi dance performances from the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts
- Interactive drumming inspired by Sufi traditions
- Make geometric mosaics in BCM’s ColorLab inspired by the mathematical patterns found in Islamic art
- Delicious local foods provided by the Turkish Cultural Center of Brooklyn
- Live musical performance from the Wahab Orchestra, featuring Turkish, Kurdish, and Islamic classical music
Visitors can participate in BCM’s day-long celebration of Eid on Saturday, April 5, with the purchase of a general admission ticket: $15 per child and adult, $14 per grandparent, and FREE for children under the age of one. BCM members also receive discounted rates. To purchase a ticket, click here.
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