Practices by Countries: Africa
In Africa, Eid is celebrated by many people, especially in North Africa where Islam is practised by most people.
Tunisia
Tunisia sees three to four days of celebration, with preparations starting several days earlier. Special biscuits are made to give to friends and relatives on the day, including "Baklawa" (Baklava) and several kinds of "kaak". Men will go to the mosque early in the morning, while the women either go with them or prepare their children with new outfits and toys to celebrate as well as a big family lunch generally in parents house. During the daylight hours, there is dancing and music. There are feasts going all day long, and many gifts are a large part of tradition. Also, food is the center of this holiday, so this is one of the hightlights of the evening.
South Africa
In Cape Town, hundreds of people gather at Green Point for the sighting of the moon on the last day of Ramadan each year. The gathering brings together people from all walks of life, and everyone comes with something to share with others at the time of breaking the fast. The Magrib prayer is then conducted and the sighting of the moon is announced thereafter.
The Day of Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated by first attending the mosque for Eid prayer. This is followed by visiting neighbours and family. Children receive presents and money from elder members of the family, relatives and neighbours. Most people wear new clothes with bright colours, while biscuits, cakes, samoosas, pies and tarts are presented to visitors as treats. Lunch is usually served in large family groups.
Nigeria
Nigeria is a secular environment. Therefore, as Muslims celebrate the festival, Christians also participate. the Eid is popularly known as "Small Sallah" and people generally greet each other with "Barka Da Sallah" which means greetings on sallah in the Hausa language. People celebrate by observing the Eid prayer at designated praying grounds and then retire home to eat meals prepared by the women. The Federal holiday typically lasts for two days in Nigeria. Nigerians travel to their respective hometowns irrespective of their religions during this Sallah especially if the holiday is continuous with a weekend.
Source: wikipedia.org
