What Is It Like To Travel Iran During Ramadan?
Regular Tablecloth in Ramadan
Right timing is one of the most critical factors in traveling. Iran has special events at different times of the year as well as any other country. These events may affect the quality of Iran travel tours. Like other Muslim countries, Iran celebrates Ramadan; a holy month for the Muslims. In 2019 Ramadan begins on the 5th of May and ends by the 4th of June. Due to its different rules and regulations, we think it’s a good idea to gain more information about Ramadan. So, here is some information about what Muslims do in Ramadan and how it will be like in Iran. Also, you can find some tips about how it is better to act during Ramadan.
What Do Muslims Do During Ramadan?
During Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, Muslims fast. It means they will not drink, eat or smoke cigarettes from the sunrise till the sunset. Fasting is an obligation for the Muslims who have physical ability for doing it. So, pregnant women or others with physical issues should not fast during Ramadan like others. Also, fasting is not obligatory when you are traveling. Not eating or drinking during the day, helps the Muslims empathize with the poor. It also helps them be more thankful for the blessings they have. All of the above makes Ramadan different from other months of the day.
An old couple breaking their fast
The Muslims break their fast after sunset. The name of the meal for breaking the fast in “Iftar.” Iftar usually includes tea, cheese, and bread. It is fine to eat, drink and smoke in public during the night.
What Are The Etiquettes During Ramadan?
It is essential for visitors to adhere to the rules of the place they are visiting. However, the rules or the behaviors that others expect you to do is different during Ramadan in Iran.
An Iftar ceremony
It is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke cigarettes during the day in public places. This rule is for respecting the ones who fast. Of course, having food, water or smoking will be fine when you are in a private place. Or, if no one else can see that you are eating. The important thing is it shouldn’t be “obvious” for the others that you are doing any of those acts.
Are The Restaurants Available During Ramadan?
Many tourists worry about having access to food during the day in Ramadan. Many of the restaurants are not open during the day in Ramadan. But, they almost always have takeaway foods or cold sandwiches. Also, the restaurants of the hotels are always open during Ramadan for their guests. And, you can always find food in the supermarkets. Therefore, there is no need to worry about finding food during Ramadan.
The Nightlife During Ramadan
The nights of Ramadan are quite different during Ramadan as well. Usually, people get more energized after breaking their fast. It means that they will spend more time awake in the night than usual. Also, the restaurants and cafes will find a chance for compensating not selling any food during the day. All the above results in a unique nightlife in the cities during Ramadan. The cafés and Restaurants will be open till after midnight. Some of them have specific plans for Ramadan nights. For example, some of the cafes plan group games for their customers. Also, the malls and shops stay open longer than usual. And, the movie theatres remain open one extra hour after midnight.
Nightlife in Ramadan
So, if you can not have enough fun during the day, you can have enough during the night.
What Are The Special Foods OF Ramadan?
The sweets and foods people serve in Ramadan can be slightly different from other times of the year. Two of the unique desserts you can find in this month, are Zoolbia and Bamieh. They are crunchy traditional Iranian pastries. Saffron and rice pudding is another amazing Iranian conventional dessert. The name of this dessert in Sholezard. Also, eating Ash (a thick and heavy Iranian soup) is very common during Ramadan. Eating Dates, Halva, and Halim is also very common during Ramadan.
As a traditional act, some people might be giving away food and drinks during the evenings. Don’t forget to try the amazingly delicious meals and desserts during Ramadan!
Special Traditions In Different Regions
Different regions in Iran have specific traditions and rituals for Ramadan. Also, they might serve specific meals (different than other areas of Iran) during this month. So, you can be sure of seeing various traditions when booking an Iran tour package during Ramadan. For instance, Mashhad is the holiest city in Iran. It has Imam Reza’s shrine in it, and that’s why it can get very crowded during Ramadan.
Shiraz is another city with special rituals during Ramadan. People go to the mosque during the last Friday of Ramadan to fulfill their wishes. In Yazd, the women gather in the mosques on the 27th day of Ramadan and sew little bags. They believe sewing these small bags helps with healing the patients.
A traditional ceremony in Yazd
In Lorestan, people share their foods for Iftar together. Different people share whatever food they have with others. This way, everyone can enjoy tasting all the meals. Traditions like this bring people together more than any other time.
The Last Day Of Ramadan
Mashhad, Imama Reza shrine
Ramadan ends on the 5th of June in 2019. The name of the last day of Ramadan is Eid-e Fetr. Muslims celebrate this day and do not fast on the last day of Ramadan. It is also a bank holiday which means most of the places will not be open.
Finally, traveling Iran during Ramadan might not seem appealing for some of the tourists. However, some tourists would like to join Iran tours specifically during this month to enjoy seeing the traditions. It can be more enjoyable especially when you are traveling with small group tours. Culture tours such as Optimized Persia tour and the Exclusive culture of Persia are good choices during Ramadan. Also, explore Iran’s western culture tour can be full of amazing experiences during this month.
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