Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat is scheduled to fire the city’s ancient Ramadan cannon announcing the end of the day’s Ramadan fast on Wednesday.

The month of Ramadan takes place this year from July 9th until August 10th, including the three-day Eid al Fitr holiday.

Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. During the month, it is customary for Muslims to fast during daytime, refrain from smoking and sexual relations, and pray between sunrise and sunset. Throughout the month, the ceremonial cannon fires twice each day to mark the beginning and end of the fast.

The Haj Yahya Sandouk family is responsible for the firing of the Jerusalem cannon during the holiday, a tradition they have held for 120 years. The firing takes place at a Muslim cemetery in East Jerusalem.

In a statement, Mayor Barkat said: “We wish the Muslim residents of Jerusalem, and Muslims around the world, a meaningful and blessed Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem.”

Watch a video about the cannon firing below:

Watch a video of Ramadan well-wishes from the IDF below: