Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Shanghai

Eid al-Adha "Festival of Sacrifice"

This holiday was named Eid Al-Adha, or “Festival of Sacrifice”, due to the sheep that are sacrificed by Muslims on this religious occasion, the meat shared in equal measure amongst families and friends and distributed amongst the needy (a third of the meat goes to each). This Eid, or festival, is also referred to as the Greater Festival (Al-Eid Al-Akbar), and immediately follows the day of Hajj or Pilgrimage (10th of Thil-Hijjah) and the descent from Mount Arafa. The celebrations begin with a prayer held in an open space in the morning of the first day; this prayer is usually attended by a large number of Muslims, traditionally wearing their best clothes. After the morning prayer, Muslims visit one another and exchange congratulations on this blessed occasion.

Eid Al-Fitr "Festival of Al-Fitr"

Eid Al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of the month of Ramadan; the Islamic holy month of fasting. The celebration is signaled by the sighting of the new moon, which signifies the first day of the month of Shawwal. Eid Al-Fitr is also know as the “Small Festival (Al-Eid Al-Sagheer), as it comes second to Eid Al-Adha in religious importance.

Saudi National Day

Saudi National Day falls on 23rd September, and celebrates the unification of the Kingdom under the guidance of H.R.H. King Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Al Saoud who founded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the year 1351 (Hijri), 1932 A.D.