Iftar dinner held at City Council Hall

7.3.2025 5.40
Group photo of people standing on a staircase.
Yesterday, Espoo’s new Mayor, Kai Mykkänen, hosted a celebration of Ramadan for around thirty representatives of local organisations and religious communities, as well as city employees, at the City Council Hall.Photo: Mari Paavilainen

The event gave attendees a chance to network and exchange thoughts. Speeches were held, after which the evening culminated in an Iftar meal.

Ramadan evenings bring people together in celebration

This year, the celebration of the Muslim holy month, Ramadan, started on 1 March and ends on 30 March 2025.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

“Ramadan is an important celebration for many Espoo residents. It reminds us of solidarity and the strength of our community. This shared Iftar dinner is a concrete way to encourage dialogue and celebrate the diversity of our city,” said Mayor Kai Mykkänen.

The Arabic word Iftar refers to the meal served after sunset to break the long day of fasting. During Ramadan, it is common to invite family and friends over for an Iftar meal. To mark the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the Eid al-Fitr festival by visiting friends and family, giving gifts and having meals together.

Shared events, such as the Iftar dinner, provide valuable opportunities to connect, gain insight into each other’s daily lives and deepen cooperation. They are part of the city’s efforts to strengthen community spirit – because diversity is our asset.

This year marked the fourth time the Mayor hosted an Iftar dinner in Espoo.