When people think of Ramadan, they often associate it with fasting. But this special time of year is much more than just abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is a period of reflection, prayer, and self-awareness. It’s a time to slow down, focus on what truly matters, and strengthen bonds with family and community. At the end of the month, we celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a two-day festival that marks the breaking of the fast. It’s an opportunity to gather with loved ones, dress in traditional clothing, and share delicious meals. This joyful and meaningful celebration brings closure to a month of spiritual devotion and discipline.
Why Does Ramadan Fall on Different Dates Every Year?
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is shorter than the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world. A lunar year has about 354 days, meaning it is 10 to 11 days shorter than a solar year. As a result, Ramadan shifts earlier each year by approximately ten days.
The start and end times for fasting also vary by country because they depend on the local sunrise and sunset. For example, in places near the equator, the fasting hours remain fairly consistent, but in countries further north or south, the length of the fast can change dramatically depending on the season. Ramadan in Morocco, for instance, will be very different from Ramadan in Scandinavian countries, where summer daylight can last almost all day.
Experiencing Ramadan in a Multicultural Family
Our family, like the Ranch de Diabat, is a blend of cultures. I’m Italian, and my husband Omar is Moroccan. For him, Ramadan has always been a natural part of life, while I discovered it through him. For a few years, I even practiced fasting to better understand this tradition, but I eventually had to stop for health reasons. However, that experience gave me a deep appreciation for the effort and significance of this practice, and today, I try to support it with understanding and respect.
When our children, Rayane and Soraya, were born, we made sure to explain the meaning of Ramadan to them from an early age. They are still too young to fast, but they participate in the special moments, especially in the evening when we gather for Ftour, the meal that breaks the fast each day. Even though it means having dinner earlier than usual for us, we always make it a moment of togetherness.
Omar’s mother plays an important role during this time. Every day, she prepares a different soup, designed to help rehydrate and prepare the stomach for food. This is a tradition she carries on with love, not only for us but also for the Ranch employees who stay here during the week and cannot break their fast with their own families.
Ramadan at the Ranch de Diabat
The rhythm of life at the Ranch also changes during Ramadan. In the past, we used to work until sunset, but over time, we decided to shorten our work hours to allow everyone to experience this month with more ease. Now, we close a few hours before sunset, so our team has time to rest and prepare for the evening.
We also adjust the activities we offer to visitors: multi-day treks are put on hold since they would be too demanding for those who are fasting. Instead, we focus on daily excursions while respecting the need for our team to pace themselves.
Even with these adjustments, the Ranch never truly stops. The animals still need care and feeding every day, Ramadan or not. Our team organizes their tasks to ensure that the horses and camels are well cared for while also managing their fasts in a balanced way.
Food and the End of Ramadan Celebrations
Food takes on a symbolic meaning during Ramadan. Ftour always begins with water and dates, giving the body a first boost of energy. Then comes a warm soup, which varies from day to day. Harira is one of the most popular soups in Morocco, but every family has its own variations.
During Eid al-Fitr, tables are filled with traditional dishes: tajines made with meat, chicken, or fish, crispy mesmen crepes, and soft, honey-soaked baghrir, known for their small holes that perfectly absorb the sweetness. Traditional honey and almond pastries are also an essential part of the feast, packed with flavor and energy—just what’s needed after a month of fasting.
Eid al-Fitr is also a time to practice Zakat al-Fitr, an act of charity in Islam. Before the morning prayer, those who are able donate food or money to those in need, ensuring that everyone can celebrate the holiday with dignity.
Ramadan: a Time to Slow Down, Reflect, and Give
As we continue our journey of bringing different cultures together, Ramadan remains an important time for us. It reminds us to slow down, focus on what truly matters, and strengthen our sense of community. Even for those who do not fast, it can be a time of reflection and connection.
One of the core values of Ramadan—and of Islam as a whole—is charity. Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, encourages those who can afford it to support the less fortunate. During Ramadan, this sense of generosity becomes even more significant, with acts of kindness ranging from sharing meals to making donations for families in need. Giving to others is at the heart of this sacred month, reminding us of the importance of taking care of one another.
At the Ranch de Diabat, we embrace Ramadan with balance, respect, and openness, always looking for ways to connect our traditions and create meaningful moments of unity. In the end, that’s the true essence of Ramadan: a sense of belonging, gratitude, sharing, and generosity.
To everyone celebrating, Ramadan Mubarak Said!
