At the end of Ramadan Zanzibar's people celebrate the festival of Eid al-Fitr. This festival is observed with huge pomp and enthusiasm in the island and is considered to be a charity event. It's a time of giving charity and alms, two of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. At Eid al-Fitr the ban on fasting ends, because the fasting of Ramadan is very strict: Muslims are prohibited from drinking, smoking, and eating during daylight hours. If you visit the country during Ramadan, you'll see that many restaurants and discos are closed, and it is difficult to get food during the day. When Eid-ul-Fitr comes, the celebration and joy begin. Zanzibar's towns and villages are overtaken by mass events - taarab concerts, games, and singing especially. People wear new clothes, girls wear kohl around their eyes regardless of age, and the boys run around in new sneakers firing cap guns. People usually visit their relatives and friends and have fun all day and night. Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration of 4-days and not to be missed, especially in Stone Town where the festivities are the brightest of all.
