The Muslim year has two religious festivals:
Eid al Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast, which celebrates
the end of Ramadan on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month.
Eid al Adha, a sacrificial festival held on the 10th day of Dhu
al Hijjah, the 12th, or pilgrimage, month. Each Eid lasts three
or four days, during which Kuwaitis put on their best clothes and
visit, congratulate, and bestow gifts on each other.
Eid al Fitr is celebrated more festively because it marks the end
of Ramadan. Children receive "Eidiah," money given as
a present during the Eid, from older relatives. The holiday is also
occasioned by slaughtering a lamb and holding a great feast, and
it is common for the men to perform the traditional sword dance
(ardha).
