Ramadan & Fasting in Groningen 2026: The Complete Guide
Anyone walking through the streets of Groningen today can feel a recognizable sense of peace and focus descending upon the city. As winter slowly gives way to the first signs of spring, we find ourselves at a unique intersection where two great traditions of reflection meet. Since Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2026), the 40-day period of Lent has been underway, and on February 17, 2026, the holy month of Ramadan officially began. This is the first time since the 1990s that these two periods coincide.
For a city like Groningen, where more than 140 nationalities live together, this means a month in which thousands of fellow citizens are engaged in fasting, reflection, and togetherness in their own ways. Whether you are fasting out of a deep religious conviction, taking on a personal 'lifestyle challenge', or simply want to learn more about these traditions; this guide takes you through the most important hotspots and stories of the city.
Ramadan in Groningen: Discipline and Hospitality
Now that the Ramadan is officially 5 days underway, the rhythm of the city is beginning to change. For the Islamic community, this is the most important period of the year. Established by the Prophet Muhammad as a commemoration of Allah’s first revelation to him in 610 AD. Fasting during the Ramadan is — along with, among others, the 5 daily prayers and the pilgrimage to Mecca — one of the 5 pillars of Islam, meaning it is an obligation within the faith. It is about taqwa (God-consciousness), discipline, and empathy. In a student city like ours, you see this everywhere: from the university library where students collectively count down to the end of the day, to the neighborhoods where neighbors cook for one another.
Iftar: Breaking the Fast Together
As soon as the sun sets (around 5:45 PM during this period in February), the fast is broken with the Iftar. Although the first date is often eaten in a domestic setting, the Iftar in Groningen has grown into a public event that connects people.
- The Korrewegwijk as a Culinary Hub: This is the place to be for those looking for authentic flavors. Local entrepreneurs here offer special Ramadan packages. The scent of fresh-baked bread and spiced soups immediately catches your attention here.
- Open Iftars and Dialogue: In 2026, we see a strong trend in 'Community Iftars'. Places such as the Forum Groningen and various community centers often organize tables where everyone is welcome to join. Keep a close eye on websites and agendas for current gatherings. The goal? To break down barriers and eat together. Also, the 5 daily prayers are increasingly being performed within communities in mosques.
Working Towards Eid al-Fitr (Sugar Feast)
The thirty days of Ramadan ultimately lead to the highlight: the Sugar Feast, or Eid al-Fitr. In a city with such diverse cultures as Groningen, this is a moment you feel everywhere. Preparations begin early in the neighborhoods surrounding the center. Especially in the Oosterparkwijk and the Korrewegwijk, you see activity increasing at local bakeries. Here, enormous trays of baklava, date cookies, and other sweets are prepared. The Sugar Feast in Groningen is not just a religious holiday, but a festival of sharing; neighbors who are not Muslim are often offered a plate of treats, beautifully showcasing the social cohesion in the city.
Nighttime Delights: Eating After Sunset
For those experiencing the Ramadan in Groningen, the culinary focus shifts to the late hours. Although the Iftar is the starting signal, many fellow citizens also look for a nutritious meal later in the evening or deep into the night. Groningen offers a growing number of possibilities for this. In the streets around the Grote Markt and the Poelestraat, you will find various grillrooms and eateries such as Doris, which extend their opening hours during the Ramadan. Especially businesses specializing in Turkish and Moroccan cuisine cater to this with rich platters and fresh bread available until deep into the night. Don't forget the local cafeterias in neighborhoods like the aforementioned Korreweg and Vinkhuizen; they are often the hub of the neighborhood where a warm meal can be enjoyed until the early hours before fasting begins again at sunrise.
The 40-Day Period of Lent: The Modern Fasting Reset
Running almost parallel to the Ramadan is the 40-day period of Lent, which began last Wednesday (February 18). This is also a period of fasting originating from Catholic Christianity, tradition, and the Bible, where we read, for example, how Jesus fasted for 40 days while traveling through the desert (Matthew 4:1-11). Nowadays, many other denominations also participate. The 40-day period of Lent is less strict than Ramadan. It is often filled in according to one's own inspiration. It is also often seen as the preparation for Easter.
Nowadays, for many people, it is a moment of 'conscious abstinence'. It is no longer just about religion, but about a mental and physical cleanse and reset. In the gyms and healthy lunchrooms of Groningen, we hear it everywhere: people are giving up added sugars for 40 days, abstaining from alcohol, or choosing a fully plant-based diet. It is a collective movement towards a fitter version of ourselves. But people also 'fast' mentally. A reduction in screen time or a break from social media for mental health is also common during this period.
Walking as a Form of Reflection: The Green Routes
In addition to abstaining from food or digital stimuli, many residents of Groningen choose 'slowing down' during this 40-day period of Lent. Walking is the ultimate method for this. The city offers the perfect backdrops for a meditative walk. Consider an early morning round through the Noorderplantsoen, where the rising sun provides a moment of pure reflection. Also, the tranquility of the Hoge and Lage der A, with their historic quays, is excellent for a 'mindful' walk. It is a way of fasting from the hustle and bustle and rediscovering the immediate surroundings, something that aligns perfectly with the core idea of this period.
Differences: Ramadan & the 40-Day Period of Lent
There are many commonalities between both periods. It is about fasting, together, to come closer to God or Allah and to express and practice your religion. But there are also certainly clear differences. The differences lie mainly in the duration and the manner of fasting. For instance, within Islam, it is more of an obligation with clear rules and guidelines. There is a clear time when eating is allowed and how long the fast lasts. This ensures that you always break your fast together, which can lead to a stronger 'community feeling'. In Christianity, however, fasting has more of a personal interpretation, with freedom in duration and method. This, in turn, makes it more applicable to one's own situation and life, perhaps making it easier to combine with the daily rhythm of work and school.
Healthy & Vegan Dining in Groningen
Groningen has developed into a paradise for conscious eaters. Whether you are breaking your fast or sticking to a sugar-free diet, the city offers countless options that fit your goals.
Take the time to visit local bakeries in the Korreweg for their unique Ramadan specials, or walk through the Oude Kijk in 't Jatstraat for the freshest vegan options to help you through the 40-day period of Lent. Also, in the streets around the Vismarkt and the Oosterstraat, you will find more and more businesses focusing on 'clean eating'. No refined sugars, but natural energy sources. This perfectly meets the need for nutritious meals during the fasting month.
- Mahalo - near the Noorderplantsoen: The perfect spot for those who want to eat 100% plant-based and organic. Many of their baked goods and other breakfast items are even free from refined sugars.
- Brussels Lof - Akkerstraat: With many ingredients from their own vegetable garden, Brussels Lof is a pioneer in vegetarian and vegan food. Their dishes fit perfectly with the conscious fasting period, without compromising on the culinary experience.
- Wadapartja - Westerhaven & Zuiderdiep: A Groningen favorite where ‘anything goes’. Wadapartja works with local gardens and focuses on honest products. This ensures their menu is always full of fresh vegetables and surprising plant-based options. Perfect for a day (or 40 days) of conscious eating.
The Role of Our Partners
Our partners in the hotel sector also contribute to this month of reflection. Ask at our partner hotels such as The Market Hotel or the Schimmelpenninck Huys about healthy options that suit your specific fasting diet. They understand better than anyone that a good start to the day (or a nutritious meal after sunset) is essential.
Groningen as a City of Respect
What makes Groningen in February 2026 so special is the mutual respect. While one person enjoys an extensive Iftar meal, another chooses to follow Christian traditions during the 40-day period of Lent, and yet another opts for a sober sugar-free salad or a social media-free period. The common denominator? Awareness and a physical & mental reset.
Plan Your Visit to Reflection-City Groningen
Do you want to experience the tranquility and unique energy of this month for yourself? A weekend in Groningen during this period offers you the chance to get to know the city in a deeper way. View our full list of hotels in Groningen and book your stay at The Market Hotel, Schimmelpenninck Huys & The Happy Traveler directly via our website!
For a current overview of all communal meals, lectures, and cultural events surrounding the Ramadan and the fasting period, please refer to our Events page. There is plenty to do during this time of the year.
Recently, we can also be found nationally with our hotels, news & events at StayinHolland.com!
On behalf of Team Stay in Groningen: A blessed Ramadan and an inspiring, vital fasting period for everyone!
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