Today marks the beginning of Ramadan, the holy month for Muslims worldwide, characterized by fasting from dawn until dusk. This observance, which lasts from February 28 to March 29, 2025, is not only about abstaining from food and drink; it also involves reflection, prayer, and community bonding.
To celebrate this significant time, Surrey, British Columbia, is hosting its very first Ramadan Fest from March 5 to 9, 2025, at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, making it the biggest late-night market of its kind. Festival organizers, known as Salaam Events, are promising attendees plenty of delicious food, cultural activities, and even shopping opportunities late at night.
There will be lots of food options, Ramadan lights, and a cultural market bazaar. There will also be many ways for people to learn about Ramadan, announced Yosof Hakimi, managing partner of Salaam Events, as reported by Daily Hive. The festival, which runs from 4 p.m. until 3 a.m., offers two main entry slots: Iftar Timing between 4 and 9 p.m. and Suhoor Timing between 9:30 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Each evening will feature diverse food vendors, market stalls selling clothing and jewelry, and even areas dedicated to providing information about Ramadan. We are expecting over 30,000 attendees across the five nights, Hakimi noted, emphasizing the festival's community spirit similar to Christmas markets but catering to Islamic customs.
The importance of Ramadan also extends to the workplace, as the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association (CMLA) is guiding firms on accommodations required for Muslim employees during this holy month. By recognizing the unique needs of fasting, firms can help create supportive work environments. Employers have to accommodate religious requests to the point of undue hardship and be open to listening to their employees, emphasized CMLA representatives.
The accommodations range from providing quiet spaces for prayer, covering shifts for colleagues needed during Iftar, and allowing adjustments to work schedules. Zareen Tasnim, a food influencer based out of Calgary, explains how she looks forward to breaking her fast with special food items at local restaurants now extending their hours. There's so much joy when different cultures extend their hours, celebrate your culture with you, Tasnim said, showcasing the communal aspect of Ramadan.
Historically, Canadian restaurants have not focused on nighttime serving hours, but as the Muslim population has grown, so has the awareness of their needs. Many restaurants across the country, under the influence of the new wave of immigrants, are now more flexible about opening later or even operating around the clock during Ramadan.
Wayne Smith, the director of the Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Research, confirmed this shift. Halal food is available more places now than it would have been years ago, and not only Muslims benefit from extended hours. This also caters to workers with odd schedules who enjoy the multicultural offerings, he stated.
This Ramadan, many non-Muslims are also discovering the significance of the month and appreciating the cultural differences brought to the community. For the second- and third-generation Muslims born and raised in Canada, these developments have helped them experience Ramadan as their forebears did, fostering connection and cultural pride.
Food blogger Imran Kayesh, who immigrated to Canada, reminisces about the vibrant street scene during Ramadan back home, sharing how wonderful it is to find restaurants adapting and serving extended hours here. It's exciting because it feels like there’s more recognition of the culture, more restaurants celebrating what we enjoy, he remarked.
Lastly, the challenges Ramadan presents to mental health are becoming increasingly recognized. Clinicians are encouraged to provide culturally aware care to address unique mental health needs arising during fasting, sleep disruption, and medication adjustments. Addressing mood fluctuations, depression exacerbation, or cognitive impact is increasingly relevant as these challenges can affect productivity and social interactions.
Ramadan is not just about fasting; it’s also about community, charity, spirituality, and forging connections. With festivities like Ramadan Fest and organizational support for workplaces, Canada’s Muslims are celebrating their culture like never before, fostering inclusivity and shared experiences across communities.