London Welcomes Ramadan with Festive Celebrations

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, led the celebrations for the holy month of Ramadan in London, gathering with dozens of Britons at Piccadilly Circus to illuminate the festive lights along the street.

According to The Guardian, this is the third time the famous landmark—one of the city's most popular tourist destinations—has been lit up in honor of the holy month.

The report highlighted that this year's annual display, now in its third year, features 30,000 LED lights arranged in Islamic geometric patterns and symbols suspended above West End Street.

London was the first city in the Western world to host a Ramadan Lights display. It’s a powerful symbol of who we are as Londoners.

I’d like to extend my warmest wishes to Londoners and those around the world observing the holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak. pic.twitter.com/QDLmHw2y2O

— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) February 28, 2025

Mayor Sadiq Khan led the opening celebrations last Wednesday, joined by actor and Good Morning Britain presenter Adil Ray, broadcaster Yasser Ranjha, and Rahima Aziz, trustee of the Aziz Foundation, which sponsors the event.

The newspaper noted that the inauguration of the Ramadan lights in 2023 marked the first time a city in Western Europe had undertaken such a remarkable initiative to celebrate an Islamic event. Muslims around the world observe Ramadan by fasting from food and drink during daylight hours for 30 days as a way of reflecting on their faith. After sunset, they break their fast with the iftar meal.

This year's lights feature some new additions, including an interactive installation at Leicester Square and an "Iftar Trail," which offers halal food spots alongside local dining venues with special Ramadan offers.

Khan commented: "I remember when I was young, my mom and dad used to take me to see the Christmas lights in the West End. If you had told me back then that, in my lifetime, we would have lights in London celebrating Ramadan just as we do for Christmas, I wouldn’t have believed you."

Aziz added: "Every year, this event fills me with a renewed sense of excitement. For me, the lights symbolize being part of this city that I have always called home. They represent my identity as a British Muslim. It's all about unity."