Ramadan and Eid al-Adha are the two most important holidays in Islam. Because Islam is based on a lunar calendar, the dates change each year. If you’re in Tunisia during Ramadan, people around you will be fasting from both food and water from sunrise to sunset. If you have the chance, it’s really meaningful to fast in solidarity if you are staying with a host family or making friends. And iftars, or the breaking of the fast each evening, are a beautiful communal gathering. Ramadan, the month of fasting, ends with Eid al-Fitr.
Eid al-Adha honors the willingness of Ibrahim (you might know him as Abraham) to sacrifice his son, so observance usually includes a sacrifice of a goat or sheep and Eid prayers. Many Muslims fast the day before Eid al-Adha, and it’s considered the most sacred day of fasting.
Especially during Ramadan, try to be sensitive to those observing and don’t drink water, eat food, or smoke in public. Know that a lot of (if not all) restaurants will be closed during the day, so try to plan ahead. 99% of Tunisians identify as Muslim, so the majority of the people around you will be fasting. Local tour guides are always available to assist in how to be culturally sensitive as well.