The financial hub of Europe, Frankfurt, set a precedent in Germany as it adorned Fressgass, its main street, with crescents, stars, and oil lamps to mark the beginning of Ramadan. In a groundbreaking move, Frankfurt Municipality displayed illuminated signs conveying “Happy Ramadan” at two entrances of the bustling street, closed to vehicle traffic during the holy month. The city became the first metropolitan municipality in Germany to feature special Ramadan lighting, costing over 50 thousand Euros. The decorations, celebrating unity and sending a message against discrimination, will stay until April 9.
Frankfurt Mayor Nargess Eskandari-Grünberg emphasized the significance of extending greetings to the Muslim community during Ramadan, underlining the lights as symbols of unity against racism and discrimination. This initiative breaks from the traditional practice of decorating streets only during Christmas and Jewish Hanukkah in Germany. With 6.5 percent of the country’s population being Muslims, totaling 5.5 million, Frankfurt and its surroundings host around 150 thousand Muslims.