16 Oct marked the beginning of Ramadan in Italy this year. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, when Muslims believe that Allah revealed the first verses of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad. It is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, charity, self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of the Islamic faith, and all who are able take part by eating and drinking nothing between sunrise and sunset. The festival Eid al-Fitr, literally meaning "Festival of Breaking the Fast", marks the end of Ramadan, the precise date of which will not be known until the last few days, probably on 15 Nov in Italy. See www.moonsighting.com for a detailed explanation.