Traditions of Mecca
The holiest city of Islam and the destination of the hajj and umrah pilgrimages, open to Muslims only.
Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the centre of Muslim prayer: all Muslims face the Kaaba in the Great Mosque five times a day. Entry to the central city is for Muslims only. Each year millions arrive for the hajj, and many more for umrah, a lesser pilgrimage that can be made at any time.
The hajj and umrah
Pilgrims dress in simple white garments, ihram, and walk seven times around the Kaaba, tawaf, then walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa and drink from the Zamzam well. The hajj continues to Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah over several days and ends with the Eid al-Adha sacrifice. It is a duty for every Muslim who is able.
At the table
Pilgrims eat dates and drink Zamzam water, and shared meals are offered by local families and charities. Sweet and cardamom-scented Arabic coffee is a sign of welcome. At Eid, families share lamb and rice dishes such as kabsa and mandi, and give a portion of the meat to the poor.
Signature traditions of Mecca
Also part of it, and being written: Hajj (The annual pilgrimage to Mecca.), Eid al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice.), Kaaba (The cube-shaped sanctuary.), Zamzam Well (The sacred well.).
A trail idea for Mecca
- Masjid al-Haram The Great Mosque and the Kaaba at its centre, for Muslims.
- Mount Arafat The day-long standing of the hajj.
- Jabal al-Nour The mountain with the cave of Hira.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.
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