Ramadan fasting commenced around the world on Thursday, March 23, 2023! Many of the world’s nearly 2 billion Muslims observe the holy month by dry fasting, abstaining from food and water from dawn to sunset. Community is at the heart of Ramadan and several local establishments will host Ramadan events, namely free iftar (dinners) for breaking the fast. Below are a few to check out:
1. City of Boston Annual Community Iftar
On Thursday, April 6, the City of Boston will host a free Ramadan iftar celebrating Muslims around the city! All are welcome to the multicultural event. The city will also recognize one business, community-organization, individual, and youth (24 and under) who have made outstanding contributions to Boston’s Muslim community.
Find the Iftar on Thursday, April 6 from 6-9 PM and RSVP
1 City Hall Square, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA
2. Cambridge Public Library
The Cambridge Public Library and Boston Youth Dialogue and Advocacy have teamed up to return their annual Ramadan dinner tent! The tent dinner sits at the center of Cambridge Public Library’s Front Lawn and is embellished with beautiful fairy lights and filled with lots of tables, chairs, and warm fresh catered food for all who come to enjoy a nice communal meal and break their fasts!
This year there will be three Ramadan iftar tent dinners all held at the same location and time:
- Friday, March 31
- Saturday, April 1
- Sunday, April 2
All dinners will start at 6:30 PM right around the sunset time for breaking fast. With Ramadan falling in the spring, it’s a lovely time to get outdoors, count your blessings, and enjoy a warm communal dinner.
Find the Ramadan Iftar Tent located at the Cambridge Public Library; 449 Broadway Front Lawn Cambridge, MA 02138
3. Islamic Relief Grand Iftar
Islamic Relief is one of the largest global charities worldwide. Their annual dinners take places in hundreds of cities worldwide and the Boston dinner will be held nearby in Burlington, MA. Tickets are required for this event.
Join for a night of food, special guests, and fundraising.
Find it Saturday April 1 from 6:30 PM until 10:30 PM
Academy of Creative Arts 12 A Street Burlington, MA 01803
4. City of Cambridge Annual Community Iftar
Cambridge will also host its own free iftar dinner and all are welcome to this diverse event! The event is hosted by Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui.
Find the event from 6 -9 PM on Wednesday March 29
Cambridge Street Upper School 850 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA 02141
5. The Islamic Education School Ramadan Fundraising Dinner
As the name suggest, this dinner is focused on connecting community and raising funds for the Rever Islamic Education School. Celebrating its first Ramadan iftar, the fundraiser will include a formal plated dinner, Islamic education, gifts, prizes and more!
Find it at AICP Center Hall at 41 Marble Street Revere, MA 02151 at 7PM on Saturday, April 15