Ways to celebrate Eid in lockdown
Admit it – this year’s Eid Al-Fitr is definitely doing to be a strange one compared to Eids gone by. However, just because the usual traditions have to be avoided this year doesn’t mean you have to spend the day in bed, eating your weight in kahk (although that doesn’t sound too bad…) Here are some alternative Eid ideas for lockdown.
The key message this Eid is for everyone to stay at home. So while Ramadan might have left you too tired to organise anything, let that much-missed morning coffee give you that caffeine kick to get creative and put together a fun Zoom hang with friends or family.
Take the day off from cooking, and support one of the region’s local restaurants instead. Lots of eateries are introducing Eid specials for delivery or takeaway, so look out for offers in your own area. Kick back and relax, and enjoy some gorgeous cuisine of your choice.
The Saudi award-winning director of 2012’s “Wadjda” is back on our screens, this time with “The Perfect Candidate”. The film – nominated for Best Film at the Venice Film Festival – tells the story of a doctor who surprises her community by running as a candidate for a local Saudi municipality. The film is available to buy or rent via the OSN Store from 23 May. Bonus – order snacks from your local cinema, if available in your area, to complete the experience.
We might not have anywhere to wear new Eid clothes, but why not treat yourself to a little something this season anyway? Plenty of online outlets have some fab deals on, including Nisnass, Namshi, Ounass, Noon, and Awok.
UAE-based comedian couple Ali Al Sayed and Mina Liccione are hosting a special online variety show for the first day of Eid, with appearances by acts including juggler Luis Malabra, winner of “Spain’s Got Talent”, and Khalid Freeman of “Cirque Du Soleil” and “Stomp”. Send an email to [email protected] to get the show’s live link.
Some of the Arab world’s biggest stars – including Mohammed Abdo, Tamer Hosny, and Nancy Ajram – will be hosting live performances online this festive period. Catch our full list of virtual Eid concerts here.
