Parties, piñatas and penguins: Independence Day, Central America style

By Sarah Brown and Stina Backer

Updated 1742 GMT (0142 HKT) September 13, 2013

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"In Costa Rica we proudly celebrate our independence throughout September which we call 'the Homeland's Month'," said Pablo Avilés, who took this photo in 2012. "We are proud to be a country with no army, but we say that<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1033715" target="_blank"> our army is our children</a> in schools and high schools. I think this is one of the most beautiful moments, because you can see the kids reflecting the ethnic mix of Costa Rica," said the 41-year-old web developer from San José, Costa Rica.

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Peaceful Costa Rica – "In Costa Rica we proudly celebrate our independence throughout September which we call 'the Homeland's Month'," said Pablo Avilés, who took this photo in 2012. "We are proud to be a country with no army, but we say that our army is our children in schools and high schools. I think this is one of the most beautiful moments, because you can see the kids reflecting the ethnic mix of Costa Rica," said the 41-year-old web developer from San José, Costa Rica.

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Independence Day celebrations in Costa Rica often feature<a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1028926" target="_blank"> parades of school children</a> carrying flags and dressed in traditional Costa Rican clothing or other costumes. Bruce Thomson, 29, took this photo in 2006 when he was living in the country. "Celebrations often begin the night before with town gatherings and the lighting of home-made, patriotically decorated lanterns," said the World Bank economist.

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Red, white and blue – Independence Day celebrations in Costa Rica often feature parades of school children carrying flags and dressed in traditional Costa Rican clothing or other costumes. Bruce Thomson, 29, took this photo in 2006 when he was living in the country. "Celebrations often begin the night before with town gatherings and the lighting of home-made, patriotically decorated lanterns," said the World Bank economist.

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"Mexico City is full of color at any time of year. But September brings a <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1031203" target="_blank">burst of reds whites and greens</a> that cover the city in cloth flags, plastic bunting and sparkling lights," said Gary Denness from London, UK. The 40-year-old is married to a Mexican and lived in the country for six years. "I always went to a public display for Independence Day, to hear the Cry of Independence known as El Grito. In the UK, there isn't a huge Mexican population but we are having a gathering of local Mexicans on Sunday for drinks and food and have some Mexican bunting ready to put up," he said.

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Mexico City lights – "Mexico City is full of color at any time of year. But September brings a burst of reds whites and greens that cover the city in cloth flags, plastic bunting and sparkling lights," said Gary Denness from London, UK. The 40-year-old is married to a Mexican and lived in the country for six years. "I always went to a public display for Independence Day, to hear the Cry of Independence known as El Grito. In the UK, there isn't a huge Mexican population but we are having a gathering of local Mexicans on Sunday for drinks and food and have some Mexican bunting ready to put up," he said.

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This photo of Laura G. Ochoa (right) and her friend Nina Astengo was taken by Ms Ochoa's mother during the weekend of Mexican Independence Day in east Los Angeles back in 1988. "I was in the parade and nervous so I don't remember more than us walking with two other friends in the parade looking at many people along the route," said the 38-year-old Art Director.

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A trip down memory lane – This photo of Laura G. Ochoa (right) and her friend Nina Astengo was taken by Ms Ochoa's mother during the weekend of Mexican Independence Day in east Los Angeles back in 1988. "I was in the parade and nervous so I don't remember more than us walking with two other friends in the parade looking at many people along the route," said the 38-year-old Art Director.

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This motley crew were taking part in the Independence Day celebrations in Guatemala City on September 15, 2011. Lucas de Soto, 30, said he captured this <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1026870" target="_blank">"rather surreal moment"</a> when attending the parade. "It is part of a sort of fun side to the military that they wanted to present with the festive atmosphere, despite how ambivalent the general public is about them, so they were dressing up as bears, and wrestlers, and handling out candy," said the anthropologist.

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Guatemala's motley crew – This motley crew were taking part in the Independence Day celebrations in Guatemala City on September 15, 2011. Lucas de Soto, 30, said he captured this "rather surreal moment" when attending the parade. "It is part of a sort of fun side to the military that they wanted to present with the festive atmosphere, despite how ambivalent the general public is about them, so they were dressing up as bears, and wrestlers, and handling out candy," said the anthropologist.

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This photo of school children on their way to an Independence Day parade in <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1031619" target="_blank">Honduras</a> was taken by 24-year-old Hunter Johnson who have been living in working in the country for over a year. "They performed as marching bands, baton twirlers, dancers in formation, and flag bearers while they marched through the center of their rural town. The presentations were well-rehearsed and the variety of outfits spanned the entire color spectrum," he said.

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Banging the drum for Honduras – This photo of school children on their way to an Independence Day parade in Honduras was taken by 24-year-old Hunter Johnson who have been living in working in the country for over a year. "They performed as marching bands, baton twirlers, dancers in formation, and flag bearers while they marched through the center of their rural town. The presentations were well-rehearsed and the variety of outfits spanned the entire color spectrum," he said.

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In 2007 Jerry Brown from Texas was traveling through Guatemala during the week leading up to the Independence Day celebrations. "The <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1024245" target="_blank">atmosphere was amazing</a>. Elections had been held on September 9 that year, so there was a lot of patriotism and national pride evident. The bands, the parades, the runners, the people in the streets, it was nothing like July 4 in the U.S. They were so much more proud of their country. This was my best trip to Guatemala ever," said the 57-year-old, whose wife is from Guatemala.

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Love, peace, justice and liberty – In 2007 Jerry Brown from Texas was traveling through Guatemala during the week leading up to the Independence Day celebrations. "The atmosphere was amazing. Elections had been held on September 9 that year, so there was a lot of patriotism and national pride evident. The bands, the parades, the runners, the people in the streets, it was nothing like July 4 in the U.S. They were so much more proud of their country. This was my best trip to Guatemala ever," said the 57-year-old, whose wife is from Guatemala.

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This photo, depicting the Fire of Freedom cauldron with the Agua volcano in the background, was captured by Edgar E. López Franco, in Antigua Guatemala, a city in the central highlands of Guatemala.. "The <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1024249" target="_blank">origin of this tradition</a> dates back to the morning of September 15, 1821, when Doña Dolores Bedoya de Molina, to incite the people to support the independence, was walking all the streets in the light of a torch, and many people who join to the public quest, used a torch as sign that independence was the light for the people," said the 31-year-old doctor.

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Fire of Freedom – This photo, depicting the Fire of Freedom cauldron with the Agua volcano in the background, was captured by Edgar E. López Franco, in Antigua Guatemala, a city in the central highlands of Guatemala.. "The origin of this tradition dates back to the morning of September 15, 1821, when Doña Dolores Bedoya de Molina, to incite the people to support the independence, was walking all the streets in the light of a torch, and many people who join to the public quest, used a torch as sign that independence was the light for the people," said the 31-year-old doctor.

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Evelyn Ramirez Landa took this colorful photo of a Charro (Mexican horseman) during last year's annual Mexican Independence Day parade in the neighborhood of La Villita (Little Village) in her hometown Chicago. "There were all types of floats from organizations to radio stations and many folkloric dancers and Aztec Dancers, the environment was quite beautiful and everyone was so excited to watch the parade," said the 28-year-old Mexican American.

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Charros in Chicago – Evelyn Ramirez Landa took this colorful photo of a Charro (Mexican horseman) during last year's annual Mexican Independence Day parade in the neighborhood of La Villita (Little Village) in her hometown Chicago. "There were all types of floats from organizations to radio stations and many folkloric dancers and Aztec Dancers, the environment was quite beautiful and everyone was so excited to watch the parade," said the 28-year-old Mexican American.

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During the 1980's El Salvador was plagued by civil war. When peace was established in 1992 the marching bands that were commonly referred to as <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1027938" target="_blank">"war bands" were re-named "peace bands"</a>, according to Hector Aguilar who took this photo during the Independence Day celebrations in 2011. "Independence Day parades are pretty shows that unite the people and the families and make them forget, for a day, all the problems and enjoy the time together with friends," said the 30-year-old from San Salvador.

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El Salvador's peace bands – During the 1980's El Salvador was plagued by civil war. When peace was established in 1992 the marching bands that were commonly referred to as "war bands" were re-named "peace bands", according to Hector Aguilar who took this photo during the Independence Day celebrations in 2011. "Independence Day parades are pretty shows that unite the people and the families and make them forget, for a day, all the problems and enjoy the time together with friends," said the 30-year-old from San Salvador.

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Ever since he was a child, Hector Aguilar has attended the annual military parades put on for <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1027938" target="_blank">Independence Day in El Salvador.</a> "I love to watch the march, vehicles, helicopters and planes and of course the equestrian show. I always bring my camera to catch some images," said the 30-year-old graphic designer from San Salvador. He took this photo on September 15, 2011.

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Military parade – Ever since he was a child, Hector Aguilar has attended the annual military parades put on for Independence Day in El Salvador. "I love to watch the march, vehicles, helicopters and planes and of course the equestrian show. I always bring my camera to catch some images," said the 30-year-old graphic designer from San Salvador. He took this photo on September 15, 2011.

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These children are all members of the <a href="http://www.nph.org/" target="_blank">Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos</a> family -- an international organization that provides a permanent home for orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children who live in extreme poverty. This photo was taken in Honduras by 24-year-old Hunter Johnson, who works for the organization. "They rehearsed every day for weeks in advance their <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1031619" target="_blank">intricate dance and drum routines</a>, while also simultaneously designing and sewing together their elaborate parade outfits. So, to say the national holiday was 'highly anticipated' is a bit of an understatement," he said.

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We are family – These children are all members of the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos family -- an international organization that provides a permanent home for orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children who live in extreme poverty. This photo was taken in Honduras by 24-year-old Hunter Johnson, who works for the organization. "They rehearsed every day for weeks in advance their intricate dance and drum routines, while also simultaneously designing and sewing together their elaborate parade outfits. So, to say the national holiday was 'highly anticipated' is a bit of an understatement," he said.

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During the celebrations in Guatemala the cities turn blue and white as the national colors are everywhere. "The security situation here has been complicated as of late, so it is a chance for people to walk the streets comfortably without fear of violence," said Lucas de Soto who lives and work in Guatemala City. "There may not be one unified Guatemala identity, but there is a <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1026870" target="_blank">sense of solidarity on that day</a> and merry making, so much so that it is illegal to sell alcohol the day before, on the 14th. It is a symbol of how a nation can overcome its past and have pride in its accomplishments," he added.

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Reflecting on solidarity – During the celebrations in Guatemala the cities turn blue and white as the national colors are everywhere. "The security situation here has been complicated as of late, so it is a chance for people to walk the streets comfortably without fear of violence," said Lucas de Soto who lives and work in Guatemala City. "There may not be one unified Guatemala identity, but there is a sense of solidarity on that day and merry making, so much so that it is illegal to sell alcohol the day before, on the 14th. It is a symbol of how a nation can overcome its past and have pride in its accomplishments," he added.

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These colorful piñatas in in Tijuana, Mexico were captured by Ferla García during the Mexican Independence Day celebrations in 2012. The 37-year-old was born in Mexico City but moved to the U.S. when she was 21, but three years ago she moved back. "In the United States, I felt like 5 de Mayo was more important than our Independence Day, and I always missed the Independence celebration. Now that I am back living in Mexico, I appreciate so much the celebration, it is so much fun!" she said.

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Piñatas of Tijuana – These colorful piñatas in in Tijuana, Mexico were captured by Ferla García during the Mexican Independence Day celebrations in 2012. The 37-year-old was born in Mexico City but moved to the U.S. when she was 21, but three years ago she moved back. "In the United States, I felt like 5 de Mayo was more important than our Independence Day, and I always missed the Independence celebration. Now that I am back living in Mexico, I appreciate so much the celebration, it is so much fun!" she said.

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The flowing blue dresses worn by young women during an Independence Day parade in Nicaragua was captured on film by Brad Cordeiro on September 14, 2009. The 31-year-old from Los Angeles was in Nicaragua to work on the TV-show Survivor. "The feel of the parade was of a lot of proud parents watching their kids participate. <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1028970" target="_blank">The celebration was a week long</a>, and as San Juan del Sur is a resort town people from all over the country came to town, it felt like the whole country was there," he said.

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Week-long celebrations in Nicaragua – The flowing blue dresses worn by young women during an Independence Day parade in Nicaragua was captured on film by Brad Cordeiro on September 14, 2009. The 31-year-old from Los Angeles was in Nicaragua to work on the TV-show Survivor. "The feel of the parade was of a lot of proud parents watching their kids participate. The celebration was a week long, and as San Juan del Sur is a resort town people from all over the country came to town, it felt like the whole country was there," he said.

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This hands-on display of national pride was captured by Silvia Gutierrez from California. "I was brought up in a Mexican American family and since childhood we were taught to embrace our heritage. Mexican Independence Day means so much to my family; we celebrate it with parades, lots of good food and loud Mariachi music," said the cosmetologist who painted her nails herself.

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She nailed it! – This hands-on display of national pride was captured by Silvia Gutierrez from California. "I was brought up in a Mexican American family and since childhood we were taught to embrace our heritage. Mexican Independence Day means so much to my family; we celebrate it with parades, lots of good food and loud Mariachi music," said the cosmetologist who painted her nails herself.

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These two dashing skeletons were part of the Mexican Independence Day celebrations in downtown Las Vegas in 2012. "They were selling candy and toys at a booth and there was a young boy who was dressed in a Mariachi outfit who was singing his heart out," said 23-year-old Lindsey Mendibles from San Fernando Valley.

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Viva Las Vegas – These two dashing skeletons were part of the Mexican Independence Day celebrations in downtown Las Vegas in 2012. "They were selling candy and toys at a booth and there was a young boy who was dressed in a Mariachi outfit who was singing his heart out," said 23-year-old Lindsey Mendibles from San Fernando Valley.

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This photo was taken by Alana McConnon, a 47-year-old teacher from Australia who is currently living in Guatemala. The <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1024301" target="_blank">masked revellers</a> were taking part in the annual Independence Day celebrations in the city of Antigua Guatemala, south west of the country's capital. "The mask wearing group were representing the traditional dance called Dance of the Conquest that is often performed on Patron Saint Day Celebrations in different towns," she said.

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Proud parading in Guatemala – This photo was taken by Alana McConnon, a 47-year-old teacher from Australia who is currently living in Guatemala. The masked revellers were taking part in the annual Independence Day celebrations in the city of Antigua Guatemala, south west of the country's capital. "The mask wearing group were representing the traditional dance called Dance of the Conquest that is often performed on Patron Saint Day Celebrations in different towns," she said.

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In the Independence Day parade in Antigua, Guatemala there are a lot of <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1024299" target="_blank">marching bands</a>. "They take the choreography as seriously as the music. This particular band was unique. Lying down isn't common and was just part of this band's performance. I just happened to arrive at the spot when they were doing that part of their routine," said Alana McConnon, from Australia who is currently living in Guatemala. "The music is generally marching music, though often modern pop tunes are performed as well, all with a heavy focus on the percussion," she added.

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The battle of the marching bands – In the Independence Day parade in Antigua, Guatemala there are a lot of marching bands. "They take the choreography as seriously as the music. This particular band was unique. Lying down isn't common and was just part of this band's performance. I just happened to arrive at the spot when they were doing that part of their routine," said Alana McConnon, from Australia who is currently living in Guatemala. "The music is generally marching music, though often modern pop tunes are performed as well, all with a heavy focus on the percussion," she added.

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"I thought the building looked really beautiful," said Stephanie Walsh, from Ireland, who captured this colorful display of <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1029328" target="_blank">Mexican national pride</a> in the city of Valladolid a few days before the Independence Day in 2012. On the actual day she traveled to the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, in the Mexican central highlands. "It was incredible! The atmosphere was amazing and the entire city seemed to show up for the celebrations, with flags, painted faces and a few shots of tequila already consumed. It was one of the best Independence Day celebrations I have ever been at," she said.

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The beauty of buildings – "I thought the building looked really beautiful," said Stephanie Walsh, from Ireland, who captured this colorful display of Mexican national pride in the city of Valladolid a few days before the Independence Day in 2012. On the actual day she traveled to the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, in the Mexican central highlands. "It was incredible! The atmosphere was amazing and the entire city seemed to show up for the celebrations, with flags, painted faces and a few shots of tequila already consumed. It was one of the best Independence Day celebrations I have ever been at," she said.

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This decorated SUV belongs to David L'Amsler, a minister and missionary from Springfield, Missouri, who has been living in Guatemala since 2008. "It was an extremely moving experience to observe first hand Guatemalans celebrating their freedom as I had the <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1023487" target="_blank">honor of driving the lead vehicle</a> in the parade. The local police helped barricade the route as the parade snaked its way through down as horned honked, whistles blew and people cheered" said the 57-year-old.

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On a mission – This decorated SUV belongs to David L'Amsler, a minister and missionary from Springfield, Missouri, who has been living in Guatemala since 2008. "It was an extremely moving experience to observe first hand Guatemalans celebrating their freedom as I had the honor of driving the lead vehicle in the parade. The local police helped barricade the route as the parade snaked its way through down as horned honked, whistles blew and people cheered" said the 57-year-old.

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Before moving to Guatemala David L 'Amsler was living in Costa Rica. He took this photo in the township of San Pedro during the Independence Day celebrations in 2007. "Several dozen schools participated with percussion bands, drums, xylophones, and marchers with some in typical dress of their forefathers. One of the crowd favorites was an ox and cart, that has become one of the <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1023485" target="_blank">iconic symbols for Costa Rica</a>," said the 57-year-old minister from Missouri.

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The ox and cart of Costa Rica – Before moving to Guatemala David L 'Amsler was living in Costa Rica. He took this photo in the township of San Pedro during the Independence Day celebrations in 2007. "Several dozen schools participated with percussion bands, drums, xylophones, and marchers with some in typical dress of their forefathers. One of the crowd favorites was an ox and cart, that has become one of the iconic symbols for Costa Rica," said the 57-year-old minister from Missouri.

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irpt Costa Rica independence girls dresses

irpt guatemala independence penguin parade

irpt central american independence honduras parade

irpt central american independence guatemala children

irpt central american independence honduras

irpt guatemala independence parade spectators

irpt central american independence Nicaragua parade

irpt central american independence guatemala masks

irpt central american independence guatemala band

irpt central american independence guatemala car

Story highlights

Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate on September 15
Mexico celebrate its Independence Day, sometimes referred to as El Grito, on September 16
iReporters from all six countries shared their best Independence photos

For one weekend in September more than 155 million people in six neighboring countries in one continent pull out all the stops to honor the birth of their nations.

Five Central American countries -- Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica -- kick off their Independence Day celebrations on September 15, the date when, in 1821, they declared independence from Spain, while the following day Mexico holds its own independence celebrations.

We asked people from each country to send in their best images from past and present Independence Day celebrations. From masked revelers in Guatemala to elaborately costumed dance troupes in Honduras, we received stunning images from nations proud to celebrate their beginnings.

More Celebrates: The world's best firework displays

Like the best birthday celebrations, the events are marked with glorious parades, street parties, festivals and family gatherings.

TV producer Brad Cordeiro was in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, when he captured stunning images of young women in beautiful flowing blue dresses performing in a parade held for the country's Independence Day.

During an Eid spent in India, Laurens Meulman, 35, from the Netherlands, spotted an irresistible photo-opportunity after she'd been invited to share food with a family in a square behind the Taj Mahal. "The henna-painted hands of one of the women in the group caught my eye and I asked her if I could to take a photo," she said.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Hands on at Taj Mahal – During an Eid spent in India, Laurens Meulman, 35, from the Netherlands, spotted an irresistible photo-opportunity after she'd been invited to share food with a family in a square behind the Taj Mahal. "The henna-painted hands of one of the women in the group caught my eye and I asked her if I could to take a photo," she said.

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Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Dress to impress – This Eid 3-year-old Mazin from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia will be wearing a brand new customized thobe. His father Yassir Nassif said that for most people Eid is a family holiday where you go from house to house to visit relatives they never got around to visit during the rest of the year. "We have scheduled breakfasts, lunches and dinners. I never knew how exhausting it was on my parents until I became one myself, but I enjoyed it as a kid and would love my children to have the same pleasures."

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The hustle and bustle of the <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1012895" target="_blank">Matia Mahal bazaar</a> close to Old Delhi's principal mosque Jama Masjid was captured on film by 70-year-old Ramesh Lalwani. The samosas are in the process of being fried and the pakoras, jalebis and gulab jamuns are ready for sale to the Eid crowds.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Old Delhi food rush – The hustle and bustle of the Matia Mahal bazaar close to Old Delhi's principal mosque Jama Masjid was captured on film by 70-year-old Ramesh Lalwani. The samosas are in the process of being fried and the pakoras, jalebis and gulab jamuns are ready for sale to the Eid crowds.

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The night cooking at the Nakhlistan Eid-al-fitr Feeding Scheme in <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1013607 " target="_blank">Cape Town, South Africa</a> was captured by Amien Phillips. More than 69,000 people were fed and five tons of meat, four tons of rice, 2.7 tons of potatoes, 850 kilograms of onions, 27,000 pieces of wood and 151 pots were used.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Feeding Cape Town – The night cooking at the Nakhlistan Eid-al-fitr Feeding Scheme in Cape Town, South Africa was captured by Amien Phillips. More than 69,000 people were fed and five tons of meat, four tons of rice, 2.7 tons of potatoes, 850 kilograms of onions, 27,000 pieces of wood and 151 pots were used.

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This <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1010318" target="_blank">colorful feast</a> of a photo was taken by Ashish Tibrewal in his native Mumbai, India, during Eid in 2009. "Being a Hindu, I do not celebrate Eid myself but I visit my Muslim friends to greet them on Eid, and it's a great symbol of peace and brotherhood between different religions," he said.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Fruits, treats and temples – This colorful feast of a photo was taken by Ashish Tibrewal in his native Mumbai, India, during Eid in 2009. "Being a Hindu, I do not celebrate Eid myself but I visit my Muslim friends to greet them on Eid, and it's a great symbol of peace and brotherhood between different religions," he said.

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This <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1012383" target="_blank">moment of brotherly love</a> was taken by Anupama Kinagi in Mumbai, India: "Muslims had just offered prayers and were wishing each other a very happy Eid. It is absolutely fine to hug and wish strangers on this auspicious occasion. The police officer specially arranges for rose flowers and greets Muslims outside Masjid on this special day. The Muslims accept their wishes and thank them for their extraordinary service," said the 37-year-old graphic designer.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Streets of brotherly love – This moment of brotherly love was taken by Anupama Kinagi in Mumbai, India: "Muslims had just offered prayers and were wishing each other a very happy Eid. It is absolutely fine to hug and wish strangers on this auspicious occasion. The police officer specially arranges for rose flowers and greets Muslims outside Masjid on this special day. The Muslims accept their wishes and thank them for their extraordinary service," said the 37-year-old graphic designer.

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"There are four mosques in the immediate neighborhood and each one celebrates Eid slightly differently," said Stephanie Keith from Bedford-Stuyvesant, a part of <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1010042" target="_blank">Brooklyn</a> that has become a popular area for African immigrants. "One mosque has the street blocked off during prayer time and all the worshippers fill the streets. Another mosque blocks off the street for the whole day and has a street party. But at every mosque, people don their fanciest outfit of the year most in an African style," said the 47-year-old travel journalist who used to live and work in Egypt.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Eid Brooklyn style – "There are four mosques in the immediate neighborhood and each one celebrates Eid slightly differently," said Stephanie Keith from Bedford-Stuyvesant, a part of Brooklyn that has become a popular area for African immigrants. "One mosque has the street blocked off during prayer time and all the worshippers fill the streets. Another mosque blocks off the street for the whole day and has a street party. But at every mosque, people don their fanciest outfit of the year most in an African style," said the 47-year-old travel journalist who used to live and work in Egypt.

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Sammi Addahoumi, 30, from South Carolina snapped this photo of a Benghazi sweet shop while traveling through <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1012424" target="_blank">Libya</a> for Ramadan. "Sweets, especially during Ramadan, offer a guiltless pleasure that all of Benghazi can indulge in," he said. The sweets in this photo are called Kunafah and are filled with almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, cashews, cheese, cream, or cream cheese.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Sweet tooth in Benghazi – Sammi Addahoumi, 30, from South Carolina snapped this photo of a Benghazi sweet shop while traveling through Libya for Ramadan. "Sweets, especially during Ramadan, offer a guiltless pleasure that all of Benghazi can indulge in," he said. The sweets in this photo are called Kunafah and are filled with almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, cashews, cheese, cream, or cream cheese.

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Anupama Kinagi, 37, shot this photo of Muslims in prayer from a terrace near the Hamidiya Masjid mosque in <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1012390" target="_blank">Mumbai, India</a>. He said he wanted to capture the geometric pattern formed by so many bowed heads and bodies: "It was a beautiful morning. The sky was clear. There were hundreds of men gathered to prayer as a ritual. The men were dressed in Kurta Pajama. The place was noisy but as soon as the prayers started it was so peaceful and pin drop silence. After the prayers everyone hugged and greeted each other 'Eid Mubarak'."

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Rows of silence – Anupama Kinagi, 37, shot this photo of Muslims in prayer from a terrace near the Hamidiya Masjid mosque in Mumbai, India. He said he wanted to capture the geometric pattern formed by so many bowed heads and bodies: "It was a beautiful morning. The sky was clear. There were hundreds of men gathered to prayer as a ritual. The men were dressed in Kurta Pajama. The place was noisy but as soon as the prayers started it was so peaceful and pin drop silence. After the prayers everyone hugged and greeted each other 'Eid Mubarak'."

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This photo of a young Muslim boy was taken by Dinesh Maneer, from <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1016485" target="_blank">Bangalore, India</a>. "Though I am from a different religion I was invited by a friend to the mosque for photographing the celebrations," said the 33-year-old engineer.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Waving the flag for Eid – This photo of a young Muslim boy was taken by Dinesh Maneer, from Bangalore, India. "Though I am from a different religion I was invited by a friend to the mosque for photographing the celebrations," said the 33-year-old engineer.

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In this photo Farrah Azam can be seen drawing one of her henna designs in the sand at a beach in Antalya, Turkey. The 26-year-old <a href="http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/user/254704119/" target="_blank">henna artist from London</a> creates bespoke designs but unusually she paints it on canvases and other objects rather than on body parts. <br /><br />"I am a practicing Muslim who participates in the month of fasting. Eid marks the end of the month of fasting and I celebrate it with my family and friends by visiting the mosque for the special Eid prayer, having a lavish meal, exchanging gifts and meeting relatives," she said.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Henna on the beach – In this photo Farrah Azam can be seen drawing one of her henna designs in the sand at a beach in Antalya, Turkey. The 26-year-old henna artist from London creates bespoke designs but unusually she paints it on canvases and other objects rather than on body parts.

"I am a practicing Muslim who participates in the month of fasting. Eid marks the end of the month of fasting and I celebrate it with my family and friends by visiting the mosque for the special Eid prayer, having a lavish meal, exchanging gifts and meeting relatives," she said.

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Renisha Leah Bisnath took this photo of a local mosque in her native <a href="http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/user/343233034/" target="_blank">Trinidad and Tobago</a> where Eid is one of the year's biggest celebrations. "It is a special local custom for the Muslims in my neighborhood to invite us over at their house for food."Here in Trinidad, people of different religious backgrounds live in harmony. Many of my best friends are Muslims, so maybe one or two days during the month of Ramadan, I try to observe the fast to experience what it is like. I must say, it is very enriching," said the 21-year-old medical student.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Eid traditions in Trinidad and Tobago – Renisha Leah Bisnath took this photo of a local mosque in her native Trinidad and Tobago where Eid is one of the year's biggest celebrations. "It is a special local custom for the Muslims in my neighborhood to invite us over at their house for food."Here in Trinidad, people of different religious backgrounds live in harmony. Many of my best friends are Muslims, so maybe one or two days during the month of Ramadan, I try to observe the fast to experience what it is like. I must say, it is very enriching," said the 21-year-old medical student.

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This photo of <a href="http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/user/42266969/" target="_blank">Syrian refugee children</a> was taken last year at the Hatay's Yayladağı refugee camp in Turkey by TV journalist Can Hasasu. "Eid, or Bayram as we call it in Turkey, is like Christmas for children, a cheerful feast. They collect money and gifts. Families buy new clothes for them. It was sad to see these children behind the fences of the camp. No money, no new clothes, no gifts and for some no family anymore. Despite all the sufferings in their country these children were smiling," said the 36-year-old from Istanbul.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Eid in a refugee camp – This photo of Syrian refugee children was taken last year at the Hatay's Yayladağı refugee camp in Turkey by TV journalist Can Hasasu. "Eid, or Bayram as we call it in Turkey, is like Christmas for children, a cheerful feast. They collect money and gifts. Families buy new clothes for them. It was sad to see these children behind the fences of the camp. No money, no new clothes, no gifts and for some no family anymore. Despite all the sufferings in their country these children were smiling," said the 36-year-old from Istanbul.

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Dina Syazwani Sipal Anuwar, a 24-year-old teacher from <a href="http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/user/175523476/" target="_blank">Selangor in Malaysia</a>, took this photo of her family celebrating Eid last year. The photo means a lot to her as it was the last Eid she was able to spend with her father Sipal, a policeman, who unexpectedly passed away in January 2013. It was also the first time the family had ever managed to color coordinate their outfits. "I think it was one of the signs that father would be leaving us, last Eid we could take a perfect photo as a whole family," said Dina, pictured top left. This year the family have decided to all wear pink.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

A very special Eid family portrait – Dina Syazwani Sipal Anuwar, a 24-year-old teacher from Selangor in Malaysia, took this photo of her family celebrating Eid last year. The photo means a lot to her as it was the last Eid she was able to spend with her father Sipal, a policeman, who unexpectedly passed away in January 2013. It was also the first time the family had ever managed to color coordinate their outfits. "I think it was one of the signs that father would be leaving us, last Eid we could take a perfect photo as a whole family," said Dina, pictured top left. This year the family have decided to all wear pink.

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This beautiful Eid decoration entitled <a href="http://statigr.am/viewer.php#/user/306610032/" target="_blank">Pillars of Celebration</a> can be seen in a shopping center in Damansara, a suburb to Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur. "From the picture, you can see that it's actually a stage, build on the roof while the shoppers shop below. It's the best Eid decoration in town I've seen so far," said 34-year-old Raja Marliza Safia who shared he photo with CNN via Instagram.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

Spectacular shopping center decorations – This beautiful Eid decoration entitled Pillars of Celebration can be seen in a shopping center in Damansara, a suburb to Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur. "From the picture, you can see that it's actually a stage, build on the roof while the shoppers shop below. It's the best Eid decoration in town I've seen so far," said 34-year-old Raja Marliza Safia who shared he photo with CNN via Instagram.

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In <a href="http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1015524">Bangladesh</a> it is common for the city folks to return home to their villages in the days leading up to Eid to avoid the last-minute rush, according to Ata Mohammad Adnan from Chittagong. "Railways prove to be a popular form of transport, but the numbers of seats available don't do justice to the number of prospective passengers. The journey they are making is of great significance because I believe the journeys that take you home are always the most meaningful," said the 24-year-old doctor.

Photos: Your Eid celebrations photos

The long journey home – In Bangladesh it is common for the city folks to return home to their villages in the days leading up to Eid to avoid the last-minute rush, according to Ata Mohammad Adnan from Chittagong. "Railways prove to be a popular form of transport, but the numbers of seats available don't do justice to the number of prospective passengers. The journey they are making is of great significance because I believe the journeys that take you home are always the most meaningful," said the 24-year-old doctor.

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