The Iftar in the Street. the Spatial Configuration of a Food-Based Communitarian Ritual in Spanish Cities.

This presentation explores the spatial configuration of itfar, the ritual that breaks the fast during Ramadan, in Spanish cities. Like in other European countries, Spanish cities have experienced a significant pluralization of their religious landscapes. Islam, spread widely through the global diaspora and fueled by international migration and globalization, is one of the most rapidly growing religions. Its expansion is also marked by a strong sense of community through the concept of the umma, a transnational network of believers that unites followers across diverse cultures and regions. This sense of community translates into material traces that manifest in public spaces through places of worship, specialized shops, and symbolic elements. It is also evident in public celebrations, such as the iftars during Ramadan, which take place in various cities. A food-based ritual, iftars have acquired an important public dimension, promoted by local Islamic communities and supported by public authorities. This presentation draws on an ongoing collective research project that analyses the public celebration of iftars in three medium-size Spanish cities: El Ejido, Melilla, and Vic. By analyzing the spatial dimension of these celebrations, we aim to advance critical knowledge on the role of food in the public visibility of religious minorities. Moreover, we want to shift the gaze from big cities and “cosmopolitan” neighborhoods by focusing on other urban and territorial configurations.