Thousands of Muslims took part in Eid-Ul-Fitr celebrations across the city Thursday morning, marking the end of Ramadan.

Around 7:30 a.m., more than 3,000 people filed in to the Mountain Mosque on Stone Church Road East for prayer that began at 8 a.m., marking the end of the month-long dawn to dusk fasting.

Close to 2,500 men filled the prayer hall on the first floor, and approximately 800 women and children prayed upstairs or in an overflow room in the attached community centre while they watched the prayer on a television screen.

A second morning prayer took place at 9:45 a.m.

"We're celebrating the sacrifice that we made to please God," said Raza Khan, a spokesperson for the Muslim Association of Hamilton.

Members of the Downtown Mosque arrived at the Hamilton Convention Centre for the morning's second prayer around 10:30 a.m. after the first prayer took place at 9 a.m.

Imam Sayed Tora said he expected a total of 2,000 to 3,000 people between both morning prayers.

He said while Eid is a Muslim celebration, it's also another way to honour the multiculturalism and diversity of Canadian society.

"As much as we are Muslim, we are Canadian," he said.

The second annual Eid Festival will be held Saturday, Aug. 10 at Gage Park (1,000 Main St. E), starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until sundown.

Bouncy castles, face painting, a reptile show and musical entertainment will last throughout the day at this entirely youth-run event, said Hafsa Ali, one of the organizers.

Ali said there's no "fun feast" for children after prayer, so Saturday's event is a way for them to celebrate.