As the crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan, Birmingham comes alive with the Eid celebrations celebrated on April 10. This festive period is a time for the community to come together, embracing the spirit of unity and joy that Eid-ul-Fitr symbolises. Across the city, from the bustling streets of Small Heath to the serene parks of Solihull, families and friends gather to mark this bright occasion with prayer, feasting, and charitable acts. The air is filled with the scent of sweet delicacies and the sounds of laughter and Nasheed, reflecting the rich cultural mosaic that makes Birmingham’s Eid celebrations a truly unique experience. Now, let’s explore the various events that brings the joyous essence of Eid in Birmingham:
1. Green Lane Mosque’s Adjusted Eid Plans
The Green Lane Mosque has made the tough call to cancel the traditional Eid gatherings at Small Heath Park and Edgbaston Cricket Ground. Instead, they will host Eid prayers at the mosque starting from 06:30 am on April 10, with subsequent sessions every half hour until 10:30 am. While Eid prayers at the stadium are no longer happening, the mosque will still offer fun zones with bouncy castles from 9 am to 1 pm and a brunch for new Muslims during the same hours. Attendees are reminded to bring their own prayer mats, seating for elders, and water for ablutions.
2. Masjid Al Falaah’s Intimate Family Event
Masjid Al Falaah in Handsworth is preparing for a cosy family event on April 10 to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. The mosque will hold Jamaat prayers at 7:30 am and 9 am, welcoming families to join. As the prayers proceed, children will be treated to sweets, cake, and tea.
3. Touchwood Solihull’s Family-Friendly Eid Bash
Touchwood Solihull is gearing up for a family-friendly Eid celebration on April 14. The event promises a variety of children’s arts and crafts activities, including porcelain painting and kite-making workshops, courtesy of Solihull Central and the Afghan Association. Additionally, The Olton Project will conduct a calligraphy workshop, and there will be face painting and henna art available for kids. The highlight will be a performance by renowned Nasheed artist Mikhaael Mala from West Bromwich. Activities run from 11 am to 3 pm.
4. Sparkbrook’s Weekend Eid Fun Day
For those unable to take a day off for Eid, Sparkbrook offers a weekend fun day event, now rescheduled to May 12 from 12pm to 6pm due to unforeseen circumstances. The event, free to attend, includes a variety of stalls selling clothes, food, jewellery, and candyfloss, along with a bouncy castle and entertaining mascots for kids. Organized by HW Events and Human Appeal, all profits will support humanitarian efforts in Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon. Free parking is available.