There are two major yearly celebrations in Islam, and tomorrow is the largest.
Eid al Fitri, alternately called Eid el Fitr or just "Eid" is a two-to-three day celebration at the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and marks the end of the fasting that accompanied the month of Ramadan,
Muslims in good health and not travelling are required to fast from food, water, emotional highs and lows (anger & sadness), backbiting and from sexual relations. This is a purification process, one where practicing Muslims are reminded to be pious and follow the true and faithful path. Family and personal ties are strengthened, as visits to family and friends are encouraged. Large fast-breaking meals (Iftars) are common, and are open to people of all faiths.
Personally, I find the yearly fast re-strengthens my faith and re-establishes good habits like regular prayers, carefulness when talking of others, eating healthy, etc. It's a time of celebration as well as a personal trial against one's inner desires--who is going to win, the desire to drink, or the self control to not break fast?
The day of Eid is a joyful one--there is an urgency to the morning, as everyone must eat the morning meal (with the sun up, what a novelty!), and then put on their best clothes for the trip to the morning Eid prayers.
The Eid prayers are usually attended by the entire community, and are held in the largest hall available which can house all of the community members (called an Umma). Here in America, the Eid prayers are something amazing to behold, as the American melting pot shows its colors. There are languages and skin colors and dress and cultures from every corner of the world, and they all congregate and pray together in celebration. It's like a kaleidescope of people. The kids usually get candies or small treats from their "uncles" and "aunts", and everyone smiles and hugs and wishes one another a joyous Eid and congratulations on a successful fasting month.
After Eid prayers, the parties begin. After not eating or drinking during sunup for 30 days, Eid is a cornucopia of traditional food and drink. Parties abound, and typically members of the community flit from one to the next, as they visit and ask blessings and forgiveness from family and friends. Gifts are new to the holiday, something recently adopted by many in Western cultures, perhaps to combat the materialism of Christmas.
The forgiveness is a major part of the Eid holiday, as any sins, slights or feuds are asked to be washed away and forgiven, and the slate cleaned for the coming year.
If you have a friend of a member of your family who you know is Muslim, give them a smile and a hug today, and wish them a happy and blessed Eid, by saying "Eid Mubarak!" (eed mubarak).
Thank you for reading, and Eid Mubarak to all of the Muslim brothers and sisters out there in dkos land. Please forgive me if I have caused you and harm or embarrassment this past year, whether on purpose or otherwise.