Fresno Officially Recognizes the Holy Month of Ramadan

The city council proclamation highlights the local impact of Muslim residents and the city's commitment to inclusion.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Fresno City Council has officially recognized the holy month of Ramadan, which began on Wednesday at sunset. Councilmember Miguel Arias described Ramadan as a "sacred time of reflection, prayer, fasting, and service" for the city's Muslim community. The proclamation follows a similar move by the City of Merced to acknowledge the local impact of Muslim residents.

Why it matters

The recognition of Ramadan by local governments is seen as an important step towards inclusion and respect for the Muslim community. Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of generosity, and the proclamations highlight the city's commitment to diversity and unity.

The details

Ramadan is a month-long observance where Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, engage in daily prayer and reflection, and perform acts of charity. The Fresno City Council's proclamation acknowledged the "local impact of Muslim residents in civic, educational, agricultural, and economic life" and reaffirmed the city's commitment to inclusion. The City of Merced made a similar proclamation on Tuesday.

  • Ramadan began on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 at sunset.
  • The Fresno City Council made the proclamation on the morning of Wednesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Miguel Arias

A Fresno City Councilmember who described Ramadan as a "sacred time of reflection, prayer, fasting, and service" for the city's Muslim community.

City of Merced

The city council in Merced, California also made a proclamation acknowledging the local impact of Muslim residents and the city's commitment to inclusion.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ramadan is a sacred time of reflection, prayer, fasting, and service. A period in which many of our Muslim neighbors, colleagues, students, business owners, and families practice compassion, strengthen their faith, and come together as a community.”

— Miguel Arias, Fresno City Councilmember (yourcentralvalley.com)

What’s next

The cities of Fresno and Merced have not indicated whether the Ramadan proclamations will lead to holiday pay for major Muslim holidays like Eid. This is an area that could be explored further.

The takeaway

The recognition of Ramadan by local governments in California's Central Valley is a meaningful step towards embracing religious diversity and inclusion. It highlights the important role that Muslim residents play in the civic, economic, and social fabric of these communities.