The End of Ramadan

The day of Korité is an important holiday because it marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims. During this time everyone gets up early for a big breakfast, then does not eat or drink until after the sun goes down. Here in Saint-Louis there is a siren that sounds when it is time to break fast at the end of the day.

The purpose of fasting is to observe the traditions instituted by Mohamad and to become more pious through self-discipline. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to focus more on "Allah" and give to the poor, in order to become better people. All Muslims are encouraged to observe the fast; however children, nursing or pregnant mothers and travelers are not required to fast. Now that Ramadan has finished for another year, our Muslim neighbors are looking forward to Tabaski. This feast is the most important Islamic holiday in which each house hold sacrifices a ram. Ramadan, Korité and Tabaski fall at different times each year because they follow the lunar calendar.