Moving from Cairo to Kingston was a journey filled with excitement, growth, and a few cultural curveballs. But nothing made the difference more tangible than my first away from home.
For many Egyptians, Ramadan is more than just a month of fasting. It’s a season of connection, warmth, and generosity. It’s when the streets twinkle with colorful decorations and lanterns, known as , and strangers offer you dates and water to break your fast at sunset. It’s a time when giving is amplified through sharing food with those in need, inviting family, neighbors, and colleagues to , and bonding over shared meals beneath Egypt’s lively night skies. I used to stay up late, gathering with friends in traditional cafes, known as , until , the pre-dawn Ramadan meal.
When I moved to Kingston for graduate studies, I suddenly found myself part of a minority. For the first time, I didn’t hear “Ramadan Kareem” echoing from every direction. The streets weren't bustling late into the night, weren't available everywhere, and the traditional call to suhoor, deeply ingrained in Egyptian culture, was noticeably absent.
The contrast became especially striking during . Back home, the first day of Eid starts around dawn with joyful, crowded prayers. Many of us even stay up all night with friends, excitedly preparing for the day’s celebrations. In Canada, however, Eid isn’t a statutory holiday. Many workplaces are unfamiliar with it, and requesting the day off often requires explanation and advanced planning. It felt strange scrolling through social media to see loved ones celebrating while I had to carefully plan to enjoy Eid amidst my regular schedule.
Even the language reflected interesting cultural variations. We greet each other in Egypt with “Ramadan Kareem” and “Eid Saeed.” In Canada, “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Eid Mubarak” are more commonly used. These subtle differences enriched my appreciation for how celebrations vary worldwide, yet constantly reminded me that I was away from home.
Despite these differences, I was delighted by the considerable support available for students like myself. The Queen’s University Muslim Students Association (QUMSA) and the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) played incredible roles in organizing daily iftars throughout Ramadan. In some years, I’ve traveled to Ottawa, Toronto, or Montreal to experience larger community gatherings reminiscent of home. More recently, student clubs such as the and the emerged to organize inclusive Ramadan and Eid events that reflected traditions from Egypt and across the Middle East. These gatherings brought students from around the world, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to share the season's spirit.
Over time, the community at Queen’s and Kingston grew, and more student clubs originated, reflecting Ramadan and Eid traditions worldwide. Friends have become family here; we have created new traditions. We host iftars together, cook Egyptian and Middle Eastern dishes, and when possible, celebrate Eid morning with an outdoor breakfast after prayers, just as we did back home. Lately, local stores in Kingston have started offering and traditional Ramadan foods from beloved Egyptian brands. These small, thoughtful details have brought home just a little closer to many community members, without even needing to visit bigger Canadian cities.
So, while I miss the vibrant buzz of Cairo and my hometown, Suez, I’ve also found something new and heartwarming here: a global family that celebrates with me, supports me, and reminds me that even far from home, the spirit of Ramadan and Eid can still shine just as brightly.