Unity in diversity: Eid al-Adha celebrations connect Muslim communities across Europe

EUROPE (MNTV) – Eid al-Adha celebrations brought diverse Muslim communities across Europe together for prayer, reflection, and tradition on Friday.

In France, the Grand Mosque of Paris overflowed with worshippers as thousands gathered for the Eid prayer, a poignant start to one of Islam’s holiest festivals. Many prayed in the mosque’s courtyard after the main hall reached capacity.

Following prayers, attendees exchanged holiday greetings, while local police maintained order and ensured safety.

Germany’s largest mosque, the Cologne Central Mosque, hosted a similarly vibrant turnout.

Cologne is home to Germany’s largest mosque, a striking structure crafted from glass and concrete.

In Northern Ireland, an estimated 4,000 Muslims congregated in Belfast for a communal prayer event at a sports center.

Local leaders highlighted the region’s growing Muslim population, with celebrations extending throughout the U.K. until Monday.

London’s Trafalgar Square hosted the “Eid in the Square” festival, attracting over 25,000 attendees.

The event showcased diverse performances, including Quran recitations, music, and cultural exhibitions, reflecting the city’s multicultural Muslim population.

In Ipswich, England, volunteers organized a prayer gathering at Christchurch Park, drawing over 200 attendees despite rainy weather.

The setting, a historical Tudor mansion, added a unique touch to the event.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the festival is locally known as Bajram, witnessed intimate family celebrations steeped in tradition.

Eid morning began with prayers, followed by warm family reunions featuring hand-kissing and blessings.

Lavish meals of sarma, Bosanski lonac, and desserts like baqlava reflected the nation’s rich culinary heritage.

Children played a central role, receiving “bajramluk” gifts. “Bajramluk” refers to a traditional practice during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in Bosnia and Herzegovina and other Balkan regions.

It involves giving gifts to children as part of the festive celebrations. These gifts typically include money, sweets, or small toys.

The Muslims of Spain also celebrated the festival with great fervor. In Cartagena, for example, over 5,000 Muslims gathered near the José María Lapuerta football field for Eid prayers.

Organized by the Federation of Islamic Communities of the Campo de Cartagena. The local government provided logistical support, and the recent allocation of a dedicated Muslim burial space in the municipal cemetery was celebrated as a significant step towards inclusivity.

In Kyiv, Ukraine, the ongoing conflict did not deter Muslims from gathering at the Islamic Cultural Center. Prayers there reflected themes of peace and resilience.

Similarly, in Saronno, Italy, the mosque’s capacity led to two separate prayer sessions to accommodate all worshippers.

Moscow experienced one of Europe’s largest gatherings, with thousands assembling at major mosques and public spaces.

As venues filled, streets and sidewalks became prayer areas, closed temporarily to traffic to manage the overflow.

In Krakow, Poland, a sports hall served as the venue for Eid prayers, illustrating the city’s increasing Muslim population. Meanwhile, in Pristina, Kosovo, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque hosted a central ceremony attended by Islamic Union President Naim Ternava, marking the festival with communal spirit.

From the streets of Paris to the parks of Ipswich, the mosques of Moscow to the homes of Sarajevo, Muslims celebrated Eid al-Adha with prayers, unity, and traditions, embodying the festival’s spirit of sacrifice and compassion.