National Ramadan Village opens tomorrow

The 2025 National Ramadan Village will officially open tomorrow on the lawns of the Muslim Youth Organisation, at Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

The event, which is the first of its kind in the Caribbean and South America, is being hosted by the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), and the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO), in collaboration with the Government of Guyana.

It will feature over 75 booths and organisations, including the Ministry of Tourism.

The aim of the event is to promote harmony among people from various cultural backgrounds.

Ramadan is expected to commence on Saturday, once the moon is spotted on Friday night, with the first day of fasting being Saturday.

President of the Guyana MYO and event coordinator, Azad Ibrahim, said while the event was first hosted last year, it was not of such magnitude.

“Because of the overwhelming response and requests from last year, we have expanded. We will have over 75 booths, covering a wide range of items—Islamic clothing, Islamic items, Islamic jewelry, food, drinks, a play area for kids, a farmers’ market, plants, and an array of other items will be on sale,” Ibrahim said.

Renowned Guyanese-American chef Salmah Hack will also be present at the event.

“About 4,000 people will be coming here… People from all walks of life… So, we break the fast, and we provide the food to break the fast, and after you break the fast, we provide dinner also,” Ibrahim disclosed.

The official ceremony is scheduled to begin at 16:30 hrs, with the event wrapping up on Sunday.

The village was first hosted in 2024 and is the brainchild of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who will also be present on opening day, along with other dignitaries.