Muslims Celebrate Eid ul Fitr at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds

Members of the region's Muslim community celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr, or the end of Ramadan, on Wednesday at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.

The event was organized by the South Bay Islamic Association and provided a wide variety of entertainment for the many who attended. It started at 9 a.m. with a prayer. Then the festival began, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a variety of rides, food vendors and merchandise sellers.

All money raised from snack sales will go toward Somalian relief efforts, according to the association. 

Eid ul Fitr means the “feast of the fast breaking,” which signals the end of the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting and abstinence for Muslims through out the world.

“It is a celebration of sacrifice,” said Fariha Meriam Hassan, 33, of Sacramento, who has celebrated Eid ul Fitr for many years. “I have come here since I was kid.” 

Families enjoyed spending time with each other through meals and a collection of different rides. A roller coaster, Ferris wheel, bouncy castles, petting zoo, slides and puppet show were just some of the many different attractions available throughout the celebration. The event provided a mix of offerings that seemed to please many parents. 

“We take the kids here to have fun,” said Javed Mufti, who attended this year’s festivities with his family. “The kids enjoy all the rides.”