Mosul residents shop for Eid al-Fitr clothes and food

Iraqis in Mosul flocked to the shops and markets on Sunday, days ahead of Eid al-Fitr holiday, the festival which marks the end of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The holiday again comes during the coronavirus pandemic and an economic crisis in the country.

Muslims traditionally shop before Eid for food, sweets and new clothes.

The Eid celebrations last for three days and are a time for family gatherings and exchanging gifts.

But for the second year, coronavirus-related restrictions were announced to take place during Eid.

The Iraqi government has announced a full curfew during the three-day holiday.

The Eid begins on the first day of the month of Shawal, the tenth month of the lunar Islamic calendar.

There are however, regional differences in the exact timing of Eid due to different interpretations of the calendar and variations in religious opinion.