NYC Public Schools CLOSED for Eid al-Fitr

NYC Public School Students to Enjoy Long Weekend for Eid al-Fitr

New York City Public School students will have a long weekend in observance of Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. The celebration will take place on Sunday or Monday, depending on the moon sighting, and all NYC public schools will be closed on Monday in recognition of the occasion.

When Was Eid al-Fitr Added to the NYC Public School Calendar?

Eid al-Fitr was officially added to the NYC Public School calendar in 2016 during the de Blasio administration. The holiday, along with Eid al-Adha, which is observed in June, was incorporated to acknowledge the significance of these celebrations for the city’s Muslim community.

What Is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr, meaning “the festival of breaking the fast” in Arabic, marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. According to the Muslim charity organization Muslims Giving Back, the holiday is a time of heightened worship, gratitude, and devotion. It is also a joyous occasion for visiting family and friends, exchanging gifts, sharing meals, and engaging in communal prayers.

How Is Eid al-Fitr Celebrated?

Muslims observe Eid al-Fitr with special prayers, often taking a different route to and from the congregation as a symbolic tradition. They wear their finest clothes, share gifts, visit loved ones, and deepen their personal worship and reflection. The day is marked by generosity, gratitude, and togetherness, emphasizing the spirit of the holiday.