ARLINGTON, Texas—During the month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world fast from sunrise to sunset. After sunset, they eat and drink. Later, before fasting again, Muslims eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor.

On Feb. 28, Muslims gathered at the Choctaw Stadium parking lot for Texas Suhoor Fest, billed as the largest suhoor festival in North America. People came together to celebrate and enjoy an experience that included food stands with long lines, clothes merchants, and vendors of all kinds. Most importantly, people came with their families and friends.

For many Muslims, family and friends are at the heart of Ramadan—and both together with food are at the heart of suhoor.

“I like that I get to spend time with my family during Ramadan and see my friends here and catch up with each other, but mostly eat food before the time we start fasting again,” Texas Suhoor Fest attendee Jehan Almonir said.

Thousands of people attended the festival, with large groups of family and friends gathered in conversation, checking out the vendors, or eating at the many food stands. The smell of cooking halal meats and other tempting treats filled the air.

Food vendors offered both savory and sweet options for festival goers.

“My favorite food from this festival has got to be the chicken shawarma from Big Dash, but I am mostly a dessert person, so I got myself some kunafeh,” Motasim Abu Saad said.

Kunafeh is made with shredded phyllo dough and layered with a sweet cheese or cream filling that is soaked in sugar syrup.

Attendees were greeted by a large, lighted sign reading, “Salam & Howdy.” Salam is an Arabic word that means “peace.”

Besides food vendors, the festival also featured tents selling items like jewelry and perfume offered by local Muslim-owned businesses.