Ramadan Lantern – Unique Iftars in Nigeria… What is Plantain?
For 120 million Muslims in Nigeria, Ramadan is a unique social and religious occasion, celebrated with distinct traditions and customs that, in some cases, differ significantly from those in other parts of the Islamic world.
Ramadan rituals in Nigeria begin with collective celebrations, as people march through the main city streets playing drums and singing special Ramadan songs. This starts as soon as the sighting of the crescent moon is confirmed—something determined through direct observation rather than relying on calendars from other Islamic countries. Once the moon is sighted, preparations for unique communal iftars begin. Instead of being held in mosques, these meals are shared outside homes, where neighbors gather to enjoy their food together. It is rare for a family to break their fast alone; nearly every household hosts at least one guest at their iftar table, which is set up outside their home.
As for suhoor, special youth groups take on the responsibility of waking people up by playing drums and local musical instruments to alert them to the approaching pre-dawn meal.
Music is deeply intertwined with Nigerian Muslims’ Ramadan traditions—not only during suhoor but also in various activities featuring xylophone-like instruments, wind instruments, and stringed instruments used to perform religious and national hymns. Theatrical performances, mostly of a Sufi religious nature, are also common. The majority of Nigerian Muslims follow the Maliki school of thought, though there are minorities from other Islamic sects.
Ramadan also serves as a national opportunity to ease religious tensions between Nigeria’s Muslim majority and the Christian community. Many churches organize communal iftars as a recognized tradition to foster national unity—these gatherings are even known as “Unity Iftars.”
One fruit that is always present on Nigerian Ramadan tables is a special type of tropical banana called “plantain.” Nigerians cherish its uniquely sweet taste and have long believed it to be a fruit from paradise. This belief has persisted for generations, making plantain a staple guest at both iftar and suhoor, embodying one of Nigeria’s most cherished Ramadan food traditions.
