Where to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Orange County

The month-long Ramadan fast culminates with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr or the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

And for Muslims across Orange County, there are numerous options to celebrate. Here is a look at some celebrations around the community.

Anaheim: Downtown Anaheim, 201 W Center Street Promenade, will come alive on Saturday, April 29 from 3-9 p.m. for Crescent Market OC’s Eid Al Fitr celebration. Festivities include kids’ crafts, a slime table, face painting and halal food vendors. Entry is free. For more information, visit Crescent Market OC’s Instagram page.

The first annual SoCal Eid Fest will take place on Sunday, April 23 from 12-5 p.m. at 1363 S Lewis St. and features different clothing, accessories and decor vendors. Kids can enjoy face painting or a bounce house. Tickets are priced at $5. For more information, visit socaleidfest.com.

Huntington Beach: The Islamic Society of Orange County will host Eid prayers followed by a family-friendly festival at the Huntington Beach Sports Complex at 18100 Goldenwest St. on Friday, April 21. The prayer is at 9 a.m., and the festival, with carnival games, a halal food court and face painting, will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. The event is free to attend. For more information, visit eid.isocmasjid.org.

Irvine: The Shia Muslim Council of Southern California will hold its 6th annual community picnic — featuring soccer games, volleyball, jumpers and specialty drinks and desserts — on Saturday, May 6, at William Mason Regional Park in Irvine from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free for all. For more information, visit www.shiamuslimcouncil.org.

Mission Viejo: The Orange County Islamic Foundation in Mission Viejo’s festivities will include customary Krispy Kreme glazed donuts. “If we don’t have them, people won’t be happy,” Mahboob Akhter, chair of the community engagement team, said. The festivities will take place soon after Eid prayer on Friday, April 21, and visitors can enjoy traditional Middle Eastern desserts like maamoul with tea and coffee. Face painting, henna tattoos and balloons will be available for kids. Entry is free.

Yorba Linda: Celebrate Eid at the Islamic Center of Yorba Linda’s annual celebration on Friday, May 5 from 5-10 p.m. on the mosque premises at 4382 Eureka Ave. Entry is $2 per person, and visitors can enjoy shaved ice, carnival rides, archery, a treasure hunt, board games and more. Visit donate.icyl.org/home/festival for more info.

Source: Orange County Register