Bangladeshis living in Milan observe Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr with traditional enthusiasm, gathering at mosques for congregational prayers and organising community events that bring together families and friends.
Despite living far from home, members of the Bangladeshi diaspora mark the occasion with religious observance, festive meals and social gatherings that reflect the cultural traditions of Bangladesh.
Milan, Venice and its surrounding areas host an estimated 25,000 Bangladeshis. Throughout the month of Ramadan, Bangladeshis organise Iftar gathering where thousand of Bangladeshis join and break the fast.
On Eid morning, large numbers of worshippers gather at local mosques and Islamic centres to offer special prayers marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
There are around seven mosques in and around the Italian city where Muslims perform Eid congregational prayers. Due to space constraints, several mosques arrange multiple prayer sessions to accommodate the large number of worshippers. In some mosques, up to four separate jamaats are held.
Eid prayers generally begin between 7:00am and 10:00am, with worshippers arriving early to secure space inside the mosques.
Unlike in Bangladesh and many Muslim-majority countries, Eid is not a public holiday in Italy. As a result, many Bangladeshi professionals and workers make personal arrangements with their employers to attend the prayers before reporting to work.
Following the congregational prayers, people typically spend time greeting one another, exchanging Eid wishes and socialising before heading to their workplaces.
Bangladesh’s Consul General in Milan, Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, said the day remains a special occasion for the Bangladeshi community in the city.
“The mosques are always crowded on Eid day for the congregational prayers,” he said. “This time, I attended the prayer at the Bangladesh Islamic Center, where multiple jamaats were held to accommodate the large number of worshippers. Our consulate colleagues also went to other mosques in groups to share the joy of Eid with others.”
He noted that many community members adjust their work schedules so they can participate in the Eid prayers and celebrations.
“Those who have to work generally make arrangements with their workplaces and arrive a little later,” he said. “After the prayers, people spend some time talking, greeting each other and sharing the joy of Eid.”
Apart from religious observances, Bangladeshis in Milan also celebrate Eid through community gatherings often known as “Eid Milan” events. These include lunch or dinner programmes where families and friends come together to share food and strengthen social bonds.
Such events frequently feature traditional Bangladeshi attire, music and cultural activities, creating a festive atmosphere that reminds expatriates of celebrations back home.
Many families also prepare special Eid dishes at home, combining traditional Bangladeshi recipes with local Italian cuisine. The festive meals often include a mix of familiar favourites and locally available ingredients, bringing a taste of home to the Bangladeshi diaspora in Italy.
For many Bangladeshis in Milan, Eid is not only a religious celebration but also an opportunity to reconnect with their roots, celebrate shared traditions and reinforce the strong sense of community that binds them together.
