A few days ahead of the fasting month of Ramadan, the city of Ghent has announced plans to introduce festive Ramadan street lights for the first time, illuminating two busy shopping districts in what organizers believe is a national first.
The initiative, coordinated by the Association of Ghent Mosques (VGM), will see special Ramadan decorations installed along Bevrijdingslaan-Phoenixstraat in the Brugse Poort neighborhood and Wondelgemstraat in the Rabot district, vet.be reported.
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Both areas are known for their vibrant commercial activity and for having a significant number of shop owners with Muslim backgrounds.
Approximately 100 local retailers are supporting the project, according to reports by Flanders News.
Organizers say the effort reflects growing recognition of Ramadan as an important cultural and religious period for many residents, as well as the role these neighborhoods play in the city’s economic life.
“We have been asking for this for years and are delighted that it is finally happening,” said shopkeeper Fatih Şenel, pointing to strong enthusiasm among local businesses.
Ramadan Spirit
Mohamed Abd El Motleb Omar of the VGM said the decorations would be similar in spirit to Christmas lights but designed with an oriental aesthetic.
The same company responsible for London’s Ramadan illuminations—now in their fourth year—will supply the displays for Ghent, raising expectations for a visually striking result.
Similar Ramadan lighting initiatives already exist in Cologne, Germany, and in several cities in the Netherlands, while previous efforts in Brussels have been more limited in scale.
“We hope it will become a new tradition in Ghent,” Abd El Motleb Omar told Flanders News.
The lights are scheduled to be installed during the week before Ramadan begins, around February 19, and will remain in place throughout the month-long fasting period until Eid al-Fitr on March 19 or 20. They will be switched on daily at sunset, coinciding with the time Muslims break their fast.
Abd El Motleb Omar noted the parallels with Christmas celebrations, explaining that the illuminated streets are expected to see increased foot traffic during Ramadan as families shop in the evenings.
The VGM has purchased the decorations and is covering all associated costs, though organizers have chosen not to disclose the project’s budget.
Ghent’s municipal authorities have granted the necessary permits for the installations, signaling official support for what organizers hope will become an annual tradition celebrating the city’s religious and cultural diversity.