This year, two sacred traditions unfold together—Ramadan and Lent—shaping daily life across Jordan. In Amman, a city where history and culture intertwine, this rare overlap highlights a deep-rooted tradition of coexistence.

Ramadan’s lanterns cast a golden glow over markets and mosques, while Christian communities observe a quieter season of fasting and preparation for Easter. The city moves to the rhythm of both traditions, creating a unique atmosphere of devotion and shared heritage.

A Landscape of History and Harmony

Jordan carries the imprint of many civilizations. Nabataean traders, Roman legions, Byzantine architects, and Arab dynasties all left their mark, and their legacies remain part of the country’s identity. Nowhere is this layering more visible than in Amman’s Citadel.

The ruins of a Roman temple to Hercules provided building materials for a Byzantine church, and later, stones from the church were repurposed for an Umayyad palace. The city’s past is built into its foundations, a testament to centuries of adaptation and continuity.

(A family in a downtown market in Amman; Photo credit: Kimberly Coole)

Ramadan Lights and Lenten Traditions

As Ramadan begins, Amman transforms. Streets glow with lanterns, strings of lights brighten public squares, and night markets fill with movement and color. The custom of illuminating the city traces back to Fatimid-era Egypt, when lanterns were first used to welcome the holy month. Today, the lights give Amman a distinctive character, turning familiar streets into festive gathering spaces.

At the same time, Christian communities observe Lent, a period of fasting and spiritual discipline leading to Easter. Church bells ring out in the evenings, and families prepare for the upcoming celebrations. The two traditions follow their own paths, yet both center on renewal, self-discipline, and gratitude.

Coexistence in everyday life

Religious diversity has shaped Jordan’s identity for centuries. Christian and Muslim families live as neighbors, exchanging greetings during religious holidays and participating in each other’s traditions. In Madaba, churches and mosques stand side by side, while in Salt, a city known for its interfaith history, shared celebrations are common. These connections are part of daily life, woven into the country’s social fabric.

Markets across the city reflect this blend of traditions. Stalls filled with Ramadan sweets—qatayef and honey-drenched pastries—will soon offer Easter maamoul, shortbread cookies stuffed with dates or nuts. Holiday preparations overlap, creating a familiar cycle of communal gatherings and seasonal flavors.

A City That Comes to Life After Dark

When the call to prayer signals the end of the daily fast, Amman fills with movement. Families gather for iftar, cafés stay open later than usual, and streets remain lively well into the night. The city takes on a different rhythm, shaped by evening strolls, market visits, and gatherings that last for hours.

Christian families observing Lent adjust their meals and routines, sometimes choosing lighter evening gatherings similar in spirit to the social evenings of Ramadan. Though the customs differ, both traditions create a shift in daily life, bringing families and communities together in ways that have shaped Amman for generations.

For visitors, walking through Amman during this season offers a glimpse into a city where history and faith shape the present. Lantern-lit streets and quiet church courtyards tell a story of a country that values its past and carries its traditions forward with a strong sense of identity and respect for its many communities.