Ramadan Celebrations in Ghent: A First for Belgium
Just a few days before the start of Ramadan, the city of Ghent is preparing to inaugurate specially designed street illuminations for the sacred month for the first time. This unprecedented initiative in Belgium reflects the city's and local merchants' willingness to highlight the presence and contribution of the Muslim community in the urban space. The decorations will be visible along two of the city's commercial arteries and will light up every evening at sunset, corresponding to the time of breaking the fast.
A Community-Driven Initiative
The idea for these illuminations was brought forth by around a hundred Muslim merchants, grouped under the Association of Mosques in Ghent, who financed the project and obtained authorization from the municipal authorities. According to the organizers, this approach aims not only to beautify the streets during Ramadan but also to strengthen social bonds and boost local economic activity, particularly during the evenings of the sacred month. Residents and visitors will thus be able to discover an animated and festive neighborhood while celebrating the cultural and religious dimension of this important period.
If Ghent is the first Belgian city to implement such a system, similar initiatives have existed for several years in other European cities, notably in London and certain German cities, where public decorations celebrate Ramadan in a visible and festive manner. Ghent's approach is part of a broader context of recognizing and including religious diversity in public spaces, highlighting the importance of Ramadan as both a cultural and social event.
The start of Ramadan 2026 is expected around February 19, and the illuminations will remain in place until the end of the sacred month. For the first time, Belgium will see its streets illuminated for this religious celebration, marking a historic moment for the Muslim community and the city of Ghent.
