The Saudi Students Association worked to create a second family for homesick OU students Sunday at the second annual Eid Fest, an event featuring traditional Middle Eastern food and music.

Eid al Fitr, often abbreviated Eid, is a Muslim Holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. Eid is when family and friends come together and communally break fast. It is celebrated over a three-day period and begins right after the last day of Ramadan.

“I hope we give the atmosphere of togetherness and family for the international Saudi Student here and for everyone,” said Mohammad Altarooti, geophysics senior and Saudi Students Association member.

Eid Fest is the Saudi Students Association’s largest event. Emad Alabbad, Saudi Students Association president and petroleum engineering senior, said the group’s goal is to bring the OU community together with Eid Fest.

“Eid centers around family and friends, togetherness, and charity,” said Alabbad. “Eid Fest is a way of sharing this with everyone, especially for international students who are away from their families.”

Fatima Al Kabah, petroleum engineering freshman, is one student who is away from her family and went to Eid Fest to fill that void.

“It’s different being away from home for the first year,” she said. “Nothing can ever replace my real family, but it makes me feel like I have a different family.”

Eid Fest was held at Perfect Swing Family Fun Center and featured a brief message from a Saudi Arabian official to Saudis studying abroad, a video about Eid and a video of Saudi students describing what Eid means to them.

Alabbad said the Saudi Student Association had trouble paying for the event, but they were able to keep it free for those who signed up. He said they sought sponsorship from OU and others, but they didn’t have much luck.

“We will cover the rest of the costs ourselves,” said Alabbad. “It’s part of our Saudi hospitality. We just want people to have fun because it’s a joyous occasion.”

The hospitality was extended to everyone, not just Muslim or Saudi students. Alabbad said he was happy people of different backgrounds were in attendance because it was a fun way to promote cultural awareness.

“I think [Eid Fest] is a great way for people to step out of their comfort zones a little and a great way to learn about others cultures,” said Sara Shutts, international area studies senior. “It’s a way for people to learn what Ramadan or Eid is.”

Shutts is the president of the International Advisory Committee, an umbrella for the 27 international groups at OU.