The community of Bay Ridge is celebrating the launch of its Ramadan holiday lights.
“For many years I envisioned our New York City streets decorated in celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, specifically in my neighborhood of Brooklyn,” said 5th Avenue Business Improvement District president and owner of Balady Market, Essa Masoud.
Bay Ridge is home to one of the largest concentrated Arab American communities in the United States. Ramadan is a month-long holiday observed by Muslims worldwide, celebrated through fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
“After much effort and out-of-pocket expenses, in 2019, that vision became a reality when the first-ever New York City street Ramadan decoration was hung right here on 5th Ave in Bay Ridge, in front of Balady,” said Masoud.
Council member Justin Brannan partnered with the 5th Avenue BID and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce to initially establish the Ramadan lights in 2019.
“Bay Ridge’s large and long-standing Muslim community is a deep part of our neighborhood’s identity,” Brannan said. “Our neighborhood is all about traditions, new and old, and I was so proud early in my council tenure to help bring our annual Ramadan celebration into reality. It has been such a joy to watch this tradition grow every year, and as always, I am honored and humbled to celebrate this Holy Month with our neighbors.”
Since the display was first established, it has grown and inspired similar efforts in other locations around the country.
“New York City Ramadan decorations have become a focal point and influence throughout many other cities in the US, and now have reached Europe, with Ramadan decorations over city streets in the UK and elsewhere. This positive impact on the community and promotion of diversity and inclusion has been incredible to witness. We hope to continue this tradition and spread the joy of Ramadan to even more cities around the world,” said Masoud.
This year’s display in Bay Ridge has been expanded with additional lighting elements including signs, lanterns, and custom-made skyline decals running along 5th Avenue from 65th to 85th Street.
“Nothing says ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ like our streets aglow with holiday lights for all to enjoy,” said Brooklyn borough president Antonio Reynoso.
“Since the first Ramadan lighting in 2019, the 5th Avenue BID has set a new standard in our city – bringing people together from all over in honor of the holiest month of the year for our Muslim communities.”
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