Somalia's Independence Day is officially celebrated on July 1st. This event commemorates Somalia's independence from Britain and Italy on July 1, 1960. Independence Day is one of the most popular as well as important in Somalia.

Minnesota is home to around one-third of Somali-Americans. Three blocks along West Lake Street in Minneapolis were filled with live music, dancing, games, and art for the Somali Independence Day celebration (organized by local nonprofit Ka Joog). Friends and families gathered to eat authentic Somali food, with sweets provided for children and samosas — a cultural recipe consisting of potatoes, beans, lean beef, herbs, and vegetables — served to adult guests. They also played soccer, watched traditional Somali dances, and admired traditional Somali art and crafts.

Time: July 1st

Neeroosh, or Dab-shid as it is often called, is an annual celebration in Somalia and Somaliland that marks the start of the solar year. While Somalis are Muslim and use the lunar calendar, they also utilize the solar calendar to determine religious holidays, harvest dates, and so forth. Internationally, the celebration is known as the Festival of Fire because inhabitants light massive bonfires, pour water on each other, and dance to greet the approach of summer. In different parts of Somalia, Neeroosh is celebrated in somewhat different ways. The most widespread habit among all Somalis, and maybe even among Gallas who are connected to them, is the construction of bonfires.

This is one of the more cheerful events on the calendar, and it should not be missed. If you visit Somalia at that time, you will definitely find this festival so interesting. That's the reason why Neeroosh is one of the most popular festivals in Somalia.

Time: Annually in July

The Islamic inhabitants of Somaliland, Puntland, and broader Somalia celebrate Eid al-Fitr every August. This religious feast commemorates the completion of Ramadan, the holy month during which Muslims fast.

This day truly commemorates everyone's efforts and sacrifices. The day is honored by rituals in mosques around the region, gatherings of friends and relatives to enjoy huge feasts, and, perhaps most importantly for some, the purchase of new garments to wear on the day.

Time: August

This event is an important day in the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice), also known as Tabaski in other North African nations, lasts two or three days and commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his firstborn son to the Lord.

Locals, according to the myth, butcher a sheep, executing the same act as Ibrahim. The sheep is then cooked and served as the centerpiece of a feast for family and friends.

Time: October

The Day of Ashura, a day of sorrow for the Prophet Muhammad's grandson who perished in the Battle of Karbala, concludes the Islamic calendar in November.

The day is honored by both Shi'a and Sunni Muslims, and it is a public holiday in Somalia, during which time Muslim groups come out in their millions to grieve. It is a fascinating religious celebration to observe or participate in. Because most of Somalia's population's religion is Islam, this event is a popular festival in Somalia.

Time: August