Due to its overwhelming success in recent years, the national Ramadan Village returns to the lawns of the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) on Woolford Avenue.
The village is set to officially open on February 15 and will operate every Friday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. during Ramadan, starting around February 19 and dependent on the crescent moon sighting.
National Ramadan Village was conceptualised by President Dr. Irfaan Ali back in 2024.
It has since grown into a major spiritual and cultural attraction, welcoming thousands of Guyanese and visitors from the diaspora each year. Organisers including the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) announced Ramadan Village’s return, during a press briefing today as they outlined new features and expectations for the 2026 edition.
They highlighted that this year’s event will be the largest ever and feature guest speaker Ustadha Leasha Prime, an educator and advocate for women’s leadership.
In preparation for its opening, the village is currently being expanded to accommodate over 80 booths and vendors.
“The village will host as usual the night prayers immediately after breaking the fast and then the additional prayers during the night led by our esteemed Muslim leaders and there will be presentations by the Islamic scholars focusing on themes such as youth development, woman empowerment, and the virtues of Islam and fasting,” Director of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG), Shaikh Moeen ul-Hack said.
MYO Vice President, Imran Ali, said that over 30,000 patrons are expected to traverse the village for the month of Ramadan.
“We also have, as usual for the last two years and this year again, we have the farmer’s market. And that was a great success. So you can come out and purchase all your fresh produce, your fruits, your vegetables from the farmers them directly,” he said.
Other attractions at the National Ramadan Village include a children’s play park and expanded farmers’ market with fresh produce. The village promotes unity and understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims. In addition to CIOG and MYO, organizers include the Guyana Islamic Trust in collaboration with the Government of Guyana.
The Guyana Tourism Authority will support an Islamic Heritage Tour to showcase Ramadan traditions in Georgetown.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of fasting, reflection, prayer and community.