Eid al-Fitr, one of the most important holidays in Islam, marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting observed by Muslim communities around the world, including across California.
Often called the “festival of breaking the fast,” Eid al-Fitr is typically celebrated with early-morning prayers, family gatherings, festive meals, sweets, and gifts. The exact date can shift from year to year, and even day to day, because it depends on the moon’s sighting.
For 2026, the timing has now been confirmed. Here’s what to know about when Eid al-Fitr falls this year, how its date is determined, what Ramadan represents and where Californians can take part in Eid celebrations.
When is Eid al-Fitr?
Saudi Arabia just confirmed the date of Eid al-Fitr 2026 as Friday, March 20, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
What is Ramadan? Why do people celebrate Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the holy month of fasting. According to Islamic tradition, it was during Ramadan on the “Night of Power,” or “Laylat al-Qadr,” that God revealed the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. The “Night of Power” is commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, often the 27th night.
When is Ramadan?
This year, Ramadan began on the evening of Feb. 17, 2026.
Why do Muslim communities look for the moon to confirm Islamic months and holidays?
Eid al-Fitr is not on the same date every year. Like Ramadan, the holiday’s date is determined by the Islamic Hijri calendar, which follows a lunar cycle. Each year, the start and end of Ramadan and both Eid holidays fall about 11 days earlier than the year before because of the lunar cycle. The sighting of the waxing crescent moon determines the start of these holidays.
Though there is a predetermined calendar of Islamic months and holidays, a waxing crescent moon must be sighted to determine the start of each Islamic month.
What makes Saudi Arabian moon spotters reliable?
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it’s not just one observatory that spots the waxing crescent moon. There are multiple observatories with different sunset times, and a committee that determines the start of important observances, such as Ramadan and Eid.
According to Vanguard, spotters in Saudi Arabia are reliable for Muslim communities due to the location of observatories, their advanced technology, and the quality of the country’s astronomers and observatory staff. These observatories report to the moon-sighting committee if a crescent is spotted, and the committee confirms the authenticity.
One mobile observatory, called Hautat Sudair, is equipped with sophisticated telescopes and binoculars, which are handled by qualified and dedicated professionals. The site’s elevation and distance from large population centers also make it ideal for Saudi moon spotters.
“It is characterized by a rocky mountainous land with rare winds,” Astronomer Abdullah al-Khudairy told Vanguard. “Its height ranges from 780 to 930 meters above sea level. This is in addition to being very far from industrial and environmental pollution areas.”
The location of an observatory is important to mitigate factors such as light, weather and background interference like light pollution, according to CosmiCave. Ideally, observatories would be placed in space where no light can disturb observations. To minimize interference from sunlight, observations are preferably made at night.
Does Eid al-Fitr have a definite date?
On a predetermined calendar, Eid al-Fitr 2026 was expected to fall on either Thursday, March 19, or Friday, March 20. But the date of the celebration depends on when spotters see the waxing crescent moon, according to Islamic Relief. We now know it will be March 20.
Saudi Arabian moon spotters have officially confirmed the date of Eid al-Fitr 2026 as Friday, March 20, via a post on X, after the Shawwal moon was not yet sighted, though it was expected.
Shawwal, the Islamic month that succeeds Ramadan, begins immediately upon the sighting of the crescent moon, or “Shawwal moon.” The first day of Shawwal brings Eid al-Fitr and the end of Ramadan.
Where can you celebrate Eid al-Fitr in California?
Eid al-Fitr is widely observed across California, with early‑morning prayers and community celebrations hosted by mosques, Islamic centers and regional organizations. Prayer times and event formats vary by location, and some sites offer multiple services.
Southern California
Southern California hosts some of the state’s largest Eid gatherings, with prayers and festivals spread across Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.
Examples include:
Many Southern California mosques hold multiple Eid prayer services to accommodate large crowds, followed by food, children’s activities, and community festivals.
Bay Area
In the Bay Area, Eid al-Fitr is marked with communal prayers and neighborhood‑based celebrations at mosques and Islamic centers throughout the region.
Examples include:
Some Bay Area mosques host outdoor or overflow prayer services, followed by shared meals and charity drives.
Central Valley and Sacramento region
Muslim communities in the Central Valley and Sacramento area also observe Eid al-Fitr with morning prayers and family‑focused gatherings.
Examples include:
Many Islamic centers encourage attendees to check event details in advance, as prayer times and locations can vary by city and congregation.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Eid al-Fitr 2026 date, meaning and where to celebrate in California
Reporting by Mariyam Muhammad, James Powel and James Ward, USA TODAY NETWORK / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
