I visited Lamu in December and during this particular year, the Islamic holiday Ramadan was held right in the middle of the month. Most of the local people were participating in this. Fasting occurred each day between the hours of approximately 6:30am and 6:30pm. During that time period no food or water was consumed. During the night every several hours small meals are eaten. The two primary meals are iftar after sunset and suhoor before sunrise.
This religious fasting lasts for 29 or 30 days every year during Ramadan based on the Islamic lunar calendar.
For tourists, it is best not to be seen eating and or drinking during the day in public locations. There are normally a few “tourist” restaurants that are open during the day during Ramadan and some of the hotels will provide meals for their non Islamic guests. If tourism ever increases more than its current level expect to see more restaurants open during the day.
Several mosques are located in Lamu – however foreigners are not allowed to enter them.
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