This year, May 2 holds a special importance for Muslims in Bulgaria. Today begins the Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) - the three-day holiday that Muslims celebrate at the end of the special month of foregiveness known as Ramadan.

The exact number of people professing the Muslim faith in Bulgaria has not yet been announced after the latest census at the end of 2021, but statistics from 2011 show that over 577,000 people, or 10% of the country's population, identify themselves as Muslims.

"Today, everyone is trying to do good by visiting their loved ones and especially their parents," says the Chief Mufti of Muslims in Bulgaria, Dr. Mustafa Haci, and through Radio Bulgaria he extended a greeting on the occasion of the feast of Ramadan:

"The month of Ramadan has passed imperceptibly and we have been immersed in its grace, but it is always too short. Today we are on Eid and everyone is celebrating, no matter what worship and prayers they have done this month. Everyone strives to do another good deed by visiting their loved ones, relatives and especially their parents.

May Allah grant everyone happiness and long life in this world and the world beyong. Happy Ramazan Bayrami! “

Ramazan Bayramı (Ramadan Feast) is one of the most important holidays in Islam, along with Kurban Bayramı (or Eid al-Adha). It puts an end to the thirty days of fasting of Muslims. Its celebration begins with a prayer – Bayram namaz (Eid), after which the faithful sit at a richly laid table. Sweet specialties and pastries typical for the different regions are prepared, but most often baklava. That is why is also known as Şeker Bayramı(or Sugar Feast).

The publication "Muslims in Bulgaria celebrate Şeker Bayramı" from Radio Bulgaria’s Best collection describes details about the traditions of this day.

Compiled by Shevkie Chakar

English version Rositsa Petkova