Ramadan Lights Switched on in Frankfurt with Muslim Community Participation

Ramadan Lights Switched on in Frankfurt with Muslim Community Participation
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The city of Frankfurt has once again illuminated its city centre with special lights to mark the start of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, in a ceremony attended by representatives of the local Muslim community.

The festive lighting, installed along Große Bockenheimer Straße (Freßgass’), features crescent moons, stars, traditional lanterns and the message “Happy Ramadan.” It has been set up for the third consecutive year and is intended as a symbol of social cohesion and recognition of the Muslim community’s presence in the city.

The lights were switched on in the early evening, with Frankfurt’s mayor Nargess Eskandari-Grünberg and city officials present alongside community representatives. Officials have said the initiative reflects the city’s diversity and solidarity with Muslims observing Ramadan.

Frankfurt’s Ramadan decorations are part of a broader trend in some European cities of publicly acknowledging religious and cultural observances. While proponents describe them as gestures of inclusivity and respect for cultural diversity, they have also sparked debate in some quarters about the place of religious displays in public spaces.

The Muslim community in Frankfurt is estimated to number around 130,000 people. The city council officially approved Ramadan lighting displays in recent years to recognise the cultural significance of the month and foster intercultural understanding.