In Pictures

In Pictures: Eid al-Fitr in the time of coronavirus

Subdued Eid celebrations across the Muslim world as many people mark the end of Ramadan under lockdown.

Displaced Syrian children play at a camp near the town of Maaret Misrin in Syria''s northwestern Idlib province on May 23, 2020, ahead of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the fa — Displaced children play at a camp near the town of Maaret Misrin in Syria's northwest Idlib province before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. [Bakr AlKasem/AFP]

24 May 2020

Muslims around the world have begun celebrating Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

One of the most important events in the Muslim calendar, Eid is traditionally celebrated with mosque prayers, family feasts and shopping for new clothes, gifts and sweet treats.

But this year, the celebration is overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic, with many countries tightening lockdown restrictions after a partial easing during Ramadan led to a sharp spike in infections.

Further dampening the festive spirit, multiple countries have banned mass prayer gatherings, a festival highlight, to limit the spread of COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus.