As Ramadan begins, the central streets of Frankfurt have been lit up with seasonal messages and symbols for the first time in the city’s history.
Frankfurt’s central high street has been decorated with “Happy Ramadan” signs as well as stars and crescent moons ahead of Ramadan.
It marks the first time that the city’s pedestrianised Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse, which is lit with Christmas decorations every winter, is also decorated to celebrate the Islamic holiday.
"Ramadan is a time in which people reflect on what is really important in life: having something to eat, a roof over your head, and peace and comfort with family, friends and neighbours," Frankfurt city council chairperson Hilime Arslaner commented.
In a city where 15 percent of inhabitants are Muslim, spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Naweed Ahmad said he was “delighted about this sign of recognition”.
Around 6,6 percent of the population of Germany is Muslim, over five million people, according to the latest figures. This year, the Ramadan holy month of fasting begins on the evening of March 10 and will finish on April 9 with Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
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