Eid Al Fitr

Photo: Eid cards that are sent to relatives and friends.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous three-day celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).
Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the Islamic calendar. It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the completion of a month of blessings and joy.
Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates, rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration. This donation is known as sadaqat al fitr (charity of fast-breaking) along with the zakat or alms which is a small percentage calculated based on personal wealth (money and gold).
On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques to perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give gifts or eidiya which is a small sum of money to children, and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the holiday. These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the entire 3-day period is an official government/school holiday.

Shawerma

Shawarma or shawerma (Arabic: شاورما) is a Middle Eastern-style sandwich usually composed of shaved lamb, or chicken. Shawarma is a popular dish and fast-food staple across the Middle East.After cooking, the meat is shaved off the skewer with a large knife, , dropping to a circular tray below to be retrieved. Shawarma is most commonly eaten as a fast food and is widely available in street stalls all over the Middle East ,it is made up into a sandwich with pita bread and rolled up together with vegetables and a dressing. Vegetables commonly found in shawarma sandwiches include onion, tomato, lettuce, parsley, cabbage and turnip or cucumber pickles depending on the region .Tahina dressing is used in Meat Shawarma sandwiches and a garlic dressing in Chicken Shawarma sandwiches along with the addition of french fries in some Arab countries.The bread used also might vary from country to the other such as buns in Egypt or Samoon/frangooni/fino which is similar to small french loaves but the most common is Arabic pita bread.