Ramadan: The most awaited month of the year
This year, the holy month of Ramadan is announced to start on Thursday, March 23. This spiritual month is the most awaited month of the year in Egypt, and Egyptians consider Ramadan an annual source of happiness and gatherings.
To muslims, Ramadan is a holiday month of purifying the soul, heart, and body.
During this special month which muslims celebrate, people fast from food and drink from sunrise till sunset. The meals are served two times a day: Iftar (when they break their fast by sunset) and Sohour (when they eat before fasting again by sunrise)
Indeed, every country has its own way of celebrating the arrival of this holy month.
But interestingly, many Muslims from surrounding countries visit Egypt during the holy month just to experience the celebrations and warm vibes with Egyptians. Even most of the Egyptians living abroad travel to Egypt during Ramadan just because of how special it is over there.
Walking around the Egyptian streets during Ramadan, one’s eyes must be caught by the rainbow colored decorations and starry twinkling lights hung over every street and lane.
Indeed, the ways Egyptians celebrate Ramadan are unique and special.
Here are some of the most prominent traditions that take place in Egypt during the holy month:
After Iftar deserts
It is inevitable that fasting all day long isn’t easy, but Egyptians make sure that eventually the hard work pays off after Iftar. Tables are crowded with a variety of delicious Eastern deserts, including flavored Kounafa, Basbousa, and Baklava.
Fanous "Lanterns"
A “Fanous” or a magical lantern is an icon in Egypt that resembles Ramadan. It will be found in every doorway decoration, neighborhood street, house balcony, and hallway during Ramadan.
It originally dates back to the Fatimid Caliphate centered in Egypt, where the people used lanterns to light the cities during celebrations. It was related to the holy month of Ramadan as the Egyptians greeted and welcomed the Caliph Muizz as he arrived to Cairo during Ramadan.
Since then, the Fanous has become a popular symbol for the celebrations of Ramadan.
Ramadan Beverages
In Egypt, there’re specific juices only available in Ramadan. While eating Iftar, there must be something refreshing and hydrating to drink, and some beverages are most commonly consumed during the holy month. These include Qamar Aldin (apricot juice), Carob juice, Karkade (hibiscus iced tea), Sobia (vanilla flavored sweet coconut milk), and Tamarind drink.
At least one of these drinks would take place in every Egyptian household during Ramadan.
And if you're those drinks while you're outside, they're sold and freshly made by juice shops or served to locals in the streets by passing juice-men!
Suhour Gathering
Ramadan resembles family reunions and friends gatherings. People like to spend this time of the year with their loved ones and make the most out of it together.
Suhoor is a meal which Muslims feast upon before their next day fast. Family and friends groups usually spend the night together and eat suhoor either in a restaurant or at home.
After praying Taraweeh together, Egyptians like to spend time bonding with one another and making remarkable memories.
interesting!😍