Columbia’s First-ever Ramadan Night Market Brings Community Together

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina, is set to host its inaugural Ramadan Night Market at Boyd Plaza on March 6. This free event features local vendors, food trucks, and creative activities for families, all while promoting community engagement and understanding during the holy month of Ramadan. Attendees can shop for unique handicrafts, enjoy iftar dinners, and participate in art activities, enhancing connections among diverse backgrounds.

Columbia Unites for First-ever Ramadan Night Market

Columbia, South Carolina, is gearing up for a groundbreaking event that promises to be a cultural delight! The Columbia Museum of Art, in a fantastic collaboration with the University of South Carolina’s Humanities Collaborative initiative, The Muslim South, and the Columbia Muslim Association, is thrilled to host the city’s very first Ramadan Night Market. This exciting event is scheduled for Thursday, March 6, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. right at the lively Boyd Plaza. Best of all? It’s absolutely free to attend!

Shop, Eat, and Create!

For families looking to engage in some creative fun, the event will also feature free art activities such as paper lantern making and personalized calligraphy. Local artists will be there to guide you through these enjoyable sessions, allowing everyone to tap into their artistic side.

Embracing Community and Spirituality

This night market is not just a shopping and dining experience; it’s a celebration of community and the essence of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, reflection, and connection among Muslims around the globe. Indeed, over 25% of the world’s population identifies as Muslim, with more than 1 million Muslims residing in the southern United States. This includes a rich tapestry of identities—from formerly enslaved African American Muslims to recent immigrants from regions like South Asia and the Middle East.

For those observing Ramadan, there will be a dedicated prayer space available throughout the evening as well as the opportunity to join in Qur’an recitation after sunset prayers. This welcoming atmosphere is designed to include everyone, inviting both Muslim and non-Muslim communities to come together in understanding and celebration.

The Spirit of Ramadan Market

Ramadan is a cherished time, commemorated through fasting from dawn to dusk, culminating in communal dinners known as iftar—moments of togetherness that reflect spiritual devotion and gratitude. Ramadan night markets also serve as vital social hubs for Muslims, allowing them to foster connections, shop for Eid-ul Fitr preparations, and provide crucial economic support for small businesses that bring unique flavors and artistry to the community.

One of the vendors, who runs a stall at the market, emphasized how important it is to create spaces for young Muslims to express themselves through entrepreneurship. This initiative opens the doors for aspiring business owners to showcase their talents while helping to build connections across diverse backgrounds.

Cultivating Connections in the Community

Columbia residents are encouraged to join in this inclusive atmosphere where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together. The spirit of supporting diverse communities, especially during Ramadan, is essential, marking this event as a symbol of unity and celebration.

So mark your calendars and prepare to join the community in Columbia for a night filled with joy, light, and the celebration of culture at the Ramadan Night Market! Grab your family and friends, come hungry, and explore a world of creativity and connection like never before.

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Additional Resources

• Columbia Daily Herald
• Google Search: Ramadan 2025
• USA Today
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Ramadan
• The Maneater
• Google Scholar: Ramadan