The Muslim year has two religious festivals: Eid al Fitr, the festival of breaking the fast, which celebrates the end of Ramadan on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month. Eid al Adha, a sacrificial festival held on the 10th day of Dhu al Hijjah, the 12th, or pilgrimage, month. Each Eid lasts three or four days, during which Kuwaitis put on their best clothes and visit, congratulate, and bestow gifts on each other.

Eid al Fitr is celebrated more festively because it marks the end of Ramadan. Children receive "Eidiah," money given as a present during the Eid, from older relatives. The holiday is also occasioned by slaughtering a lamb and holding a great feast, and it is common for the men to perform the traditional sword dance (ardha).