Traveling to Palestine during Ramadan 2018 is a unique time to visit for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Whether you are Muslim or not, participating or observing Ramadan in Palestine is a beautiful cultural experience. One component of Ramadan – this Islamic holy month – is daily fasting from food and drink from dawn to dust. The pace of life during this month shifts drastically in Palestine. For those traveling to Palestine during the month of Ramadan 2018, here are some things that you can expect to see and experience.

For starters, the streets during the day will be far quieter than what they are like during other times of the year. Palestinian life slows down in a visible way. While normal work duties will continue, many businesses and schools will reduce their hours during the day. Some close entirely. Streets that are typically lively are silent. Most restaurants are closed for the day as the business schedule flips to a new set of hours. Because of the summer heat, many people choose to stay at home during the day where they sleep and rest until it’s time to break the fast in the evening. After the fast is broken, streets come to life again as shops open and people set out to spend time with friends and family members. In cities with a larger Christian population, such as Bethlehem, travelers will be able to find more shops and restaurants open. Even still, travelers will feel a noticeable difference in the quietness that the month of Ramadan brings.

Concerning iftar, the breaking of the fast, travelers who join Muslim friends for this feast will likely be overwhelmed by the amount of food. Expect lots and lots of tasty traditional dishes to be served after the call to prayer is echoed from surrounding mosques. Some dishes prepared during this month are even known as staple meals only served at Ramadan 2018. And of course, after your large meal of never-ending food, you will be served even more food. Who can forget about the sweets? All year-round, Palestine likes to enjoy its dose of sugary desserts. During Ramadan, the sweets are even more popular.

Observing Ramadan in Palestine 2018 is a very enriching cultural experience. Travelers are in no way expected to participate in the fast, though travelers should be aware that not as many restaurants and stores will be open during the day. If invited into a Muslim Palestinian home for the breaking of the fast, we encourage travelers to take advantage of this opportunity. It is truly a neat and unique opportunity for internationals to see new aspects of Muslim life in Palestine, in addition to an opportunity to meet new people, build friendships, and try new foods. Altogether, those who want to see a new side of life in Palestine will likely enjoy traveling to Palestine during Ramadan 2018. We hope you found this information useful and now you won’t be surprised by the unexpected quiet and flip-flop of business hours during your visit to Palestine at Ramadan 2018.