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London prides itself on being a diverse, multicultural city and has a dedicated Muslim community, with 15% of Londoners following Islam. So, if you’re in the capital and searching for where to celebrate Eid in 2024, you’ll find plenty to do. Here are some of the top Eid events in London, including where to pray and the best places to feast.
What is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid is an official Islamic holiday to celebrate the end of Ramadan – a time when many Muslims fast. Fasting is an important part of Ramadan, as it allows Muslims to show their devotion to Allah, their God.
What is the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha?
Eid al-Fitr means 'festival of the breaking of the fast’. It’s celebrated at the end of Ramadan for one to three days. Traditionally, Muslims will pray at their mosque, wear a new outfit and eat a variety of sweet foods.
Meanwhile, Eid al-Adha means 'feast of the sacrifice' and is celebrated around two months after Eid al-Fitr. It also marks the end of the Hajj – the sacred Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It’s a holy day where Muslims pray at their local mosque and celebrate with friends and family.
When is Eid al-Fitr?
Eid al-Fitr is expected to take place on April 9 – April 10, 2024. However, the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, so the exact timing depends on the official moon sighting.
Things to do for Eid al-Fitr in London
There’s lots going on in the capital during the weekend of Eid al-Fitr. Here are some of the best places to celebrate Eid in London.
Eid in the Square
london.gov.uk/events/eid-square-2024
Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
What? Gather your friends and family and visit Eid in the Square, dubbed one of the most spectacular Eid celebrations in the UK. This year’s theme celebrates family, education and innovation, with a talented lineup of acts on the main stage performing dance, poetry, cultural exhibits and storytelling. Enjoy shopping and entertainment, with fun activities for the whole family. If you get peckish, feast on delicious Halal food from the many stalls dotted around the Square.
Where? Trafalgar Square
When? Saturday 20 April 2024, 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Cost: Eid in the Square is free to visit
London Eid Festival
londoneid.com/
1081 Ariel Way, London W12 7GF
What? The annual London Eid Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the end of Ramadan with your loved ones, housed in the dynamic Westfield Shopping Centre, White City. The action-packed day includes a variety of activities and entertainment, from talented henna artists to immersive live speakers. Eid is a day for living lavishly, so spoil yourself with a shopping spree at Westfield (which houses 280 stores) and refuel at one of the food stalls.
Where? Westfield Shopping Centre, White City London
When? Saturday 13 April – Sunday 14 April 2024
Cost: London Eid Festival is free to visit
Mosques to pray at in London during Eid
If you’re in London for the weekend and looking for a place to pray during Eid, why not visit one of these popular mosques?
Places to eat for Eid in London
Dining out is one of the best ways to celebrate Eid in London, with plenty of restaurants ready to welcome you for the festivities. Here are some of our top picks:
Dishoom
dishoom.com
Kensington, Covent Garden, Shoreditch, King’s Cross, Carnaby, Canary Wharf
This is definitely one for the foodies! Every year, Dishoom hosts a spectacular party with live music and entertainment, activities and a fantastic feast. With six London branches to choose from, Dishoom is the perfect host for your Eid celebrations.
Price range: £ - ££
How to get there: The Covent Garden branch of Dishoom is an eight-minute tube journey from London Waterloo. Simply catch the northbound Northern line to Leicester Square and walk for two minutes to reach the restaurant.
Feast and Mishti
feastandmishti.co.uk
247 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1DB
Devour delicious Bangladeshi food at Feast and Mishti this Eid. This popular East London buffet restaurant goes all out with a diverse food selection, including Bangladeshi delicacies kolija bhuna and lamb seena shatkora, curries, seafood, bhortas, grilled dishes and more. Save some room for a truly mouth-watering choice of desserts, from firni to mishti, and wash everything down with a refreshing cold or hot drink.
Price range: £
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the eastbound Jubilee tube to Canada Water. Then hop on the overground towards Dalston Junction and get off at Whitechapel station.
Cinnamon Bazaar
cinnamon-bazaar.com
28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS
Celebrate the end of Ramadan at Cinnamon Bazaar in Covent Garden and enjoy authentic Indian and Bangladeshi recipes at a fair price. With menus as vibrant as the interior, Cinnamon Bazaar is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant’s modern Indian cuisine is inspired by eclectic bazaar markets in India. Its standout menu items include house curried popcorn, turkey tikka masala and tawa fried masala pomfret.
Price range: ££
How to get there: Cinnamon Bazaar is a 19-minute walk from London Waterloo, or you can catch the northbound Northern tube to Charing Cross.
Memories of India, Kensington
memoriesofindia.com
18 Gloucester Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4RB
A true celebration of Indian food, Memories of India combines creative fusion dishes with authentic Indian delicacies for a top-quality dining experience. This highly rated restaurant serves up a storm during Eid: delicious breads, rice, curries and grills – so no one will be left hungry! It also offers a generous selection of vegetarian dishes, including mouthwatering paneer adrakwala and a truly tempting tandoori mushroom masala.
Price range: ££
How to get there: From London Waterloo, catch the westbound Jubilee tube to Westminster station, then hop on the westbound District line to Gloucester Road.
Whether you’re a London local or travelling from further afield, South Western Railway can help you reach your destination. Find cheap train tickets to London by travelling off-peak. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more, while those travelling in a group could benefit from GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard. Travel at any time with a Sunday Out ticket.
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