Ramadan Village returns, offering a space for unity and reflection

The National Ramadan Village is set to return for its third year, providing a space for spiritual reflection, cultural exchange, and community unity during the holy month of Ramadan.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Director of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Shaikh Moeen ul-Hack, announced that the village will be launched on February 15, 2026, at 4:00 pm on the lawns of the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO), Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

The feature speaker for this year will be Ustadha Leasha Prime, an Islamic trained educator, activist, and public speaker from The Gambia, who is also the Executive Director of the Yan Taro Project, a charitable organisation in her home country.

Organisers expect over 30,000 visitors to traverse the village during the month.

This year, the village will feature an expanded range of booths, including authentic local and international cuisine, Islamic literature, art and garments, as well as educational exhibits on the history and contribution of Islam. A new play area for children will also be established.

“It has become a landmark spiritual and cultural event, drawing Guyanese from all walks of life and visitors from the diaspora to experience peace and the community spirit of the holy month,” Shaikh Moeen ul-Hack said.

The village will be open every Friday to Sunday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm throughout Ramadan, which is expected to commence on Thursday, February 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

“It is a space for unity and reflection. In keeping with Guyana’s rich tradition and multi-faith participation, the National Ramadan Village remains a space for both Muslims and non-Muslims.

“It offers a unique spiritual ambience for families to gather, break fast, pray, and learn about the Islamic faith in a welcoming environment, ,” Shaikh Moeen ul-Hack noted.

President of the Guyana Islamic Trust, Shaikh Abdool Aleem Rahim, highlighted the event’s growth over the past two years.

“Ramadan is all about growth and development. It’s about empathy, learning to appreciate, self-improvement.

“The village offers a unique opportunity for Guyanese to experience an environment of healthy socialising, share with one another, and understand Islam during the holy month,” he said.

The National Ramadan Village is an initiative of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), the Guyana Islamic Trust, and the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO), in collaboration with the Government of Guyana.

The Guyana Tourism Authority is expected to facilitate an Islamic Heritage Tour for locals, members of the diaspora, and international visitors wishing to experience Ramadan in Georgetown.