Netizens shift from surprise to praise for creative Eid celebrations by Indonesian helpers

Indonesian domestic workers in Mei Foo turned street corners into festive photo studios using cardboard and decorations to mark Eid al-Fitr, sparking initial surprise among locals before drawing widespread online support.

In late March 2026, photos circulated in the Mei Foo Sun Chuen concern group showing helpers, mostly wearing headscarves, building elaborate temporary backdrops on pavements.

Structures made mainly from cardboard featured crescent moons, fresh flowers, and large greetings reading “Selamat Hari Raya” and “Idul Fitri”—Indonesian and Malay phrases for “Happy Eid” and the end of Ramadan.

Online commentators quickly explained that the setups were created so families in Indonesia could see the celebrations via video calls or photos, since many helpers cannot return home for the holiday.

For Indonesia’s roughly 90 percent Muslim population, Eid al-Fitr ranks as the year’s biggest festival, similar in importance to Chinese New Year for many Hongkongers. This year it fell on March 19-20, following the sighting of the new moon.

While some residents initially questioned the street use, most responses turned positive. Netizens called the designs “impressive,” “quite beautiful,” and “well made,” emphasizing that the materials were simple and temporary.

They stressed the need to clean up afterward and urged greater empathy toward workers who live far from loved ones for long periods.

Special Eid prayers took place at six major mosques across Hong Kong, including Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre and several in different districts, accommodating thousands of Muslim residents and helpers.

The episode highlighted both cultural differences and growing mutual understanding in the city’s diverse communities.