Towards the end of Ramadan, Egyptian families prepare for the advent of the Eid Al-Fitr (Lesser Bairam). Preparations intensify especially in families with children and range from baking traditional festive treats such as kahk (sugar-powdered biscuits), ghorayeba (shortbread), and other biscuits, purchasing new clothes, and arranging outings and family visits.
Despite the rising prices, many parents remain committed to ensuring their children experience the joy of the Eid. Mervat Ahmed, a company employee and mother of two in Cairo, said that “prices are high, but as parents we must make our children happy. I do my best to meet their needs.”
For Ahmed, buying Eid clothes, gifts, and treats from a bazaar has proved to be an excellent solution. “A group of influencers, factory owners, and clothing retailers has collaborated to organise bazaars featuring a variety of affordable clothes and offering a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional stores,” she said.
“Visiting the bazaar saved me the hassle of travelling between multiple stores,” she added. “I managed to buy Eid outfits for my children and a Mother’s Day gift all for LE1,700. While this amount may seem high, it is significantly lower than the prices in regular clothing stores.”
For their exhibitors, the bazaars are more than just an opportunity to attract customers, as they are a lifeline in a challenging economic climate. Wael Mohamed, a participating vendor in one of the bazaars, said that “I was keen to participate in a bazaar for several reasons, foremost among them ensuring the sale of my merchandise, especially with multiple occasions coinciding: Eid Al-Fitr, Mother’s Day, and soon after, Coptic Easter.”
The present economic hardships have taken their toll on Mohamed and his ability to make sales. “Under normal circumstances, I would worry about inventory stagnating in my shop. However, my participation in the bazaar, which moves across different areas throughout the week, has reassured me that my merchandise will reach a wider audience and sell successfully,” he noted.
“We offer special promotions: children’s T-shirts starting at LE100, denim trousers, and abayas [cloaks] for Mother’s Day gifts from LE300. Some vendors sell children’s sneakers for LE150, making everything more affordable,” Mohamed said.
For some, however, there is no time for visiting bazaars. Mona Nashaat, a housewife, has opted for online shopping because she is busy with her children’s school assignments. Nashaat has ordered Eid clothes from a social media seller who buys wholesale from factories and offers home delivery for LE60.
Inas Mahmoud, a fan of branded clothing, has struggled with soaring prices but also dislikes the idea of buying local brands. She found a compromise in sellers who sell past-season branded clothing by weight. “I have discovered stores selling various brands by the kg, with prices averaging LE1,500 per kg – much cheaper than buying directly from brand stores,” she said.
EID SWEETS: No Egyptian Eid morning would be complete without kahk, biscuits, and ghorayeba, yet soaring ingredient costs have forced many families to rethink their traditions.
This year, kahk made with ghee ranged from LE400 to LE1,800 per kg, while kahk made with oil or vegetable ghee was priced between LE130 and LE200 per kg.
Many families have sought more affordable options, such as homemade kahk, though not everyone has found success in the kitchen.
Ibtisam Sabri, a company secretary, recalled her disastrous attempt at making kahk last year. “I spent a fortune on flour, ghee, and sugar, only to ruin the entire batch due to my lack of experience. In the end, I had to buy ready-made kahk anyway,” she said.
This year, she has found a better solution. “Luckily, my company offered coupons worth LE1,000 to buy kahk from a well-known store, with the option to pay in installments over five months,” she noted.
Doaa Ihab, a nursery teacher, heard about the affordable, high-quality kahk being sold at bakeries in Mansoura and Tanta governorates. She gathered a group of neighbours and friends to place a bulk order of 20 kg. By splitting the shipping fee, she managed to buy a kg of kahk made with ghee for just LE200.
Similarly, Shorouk Bahgat, a housewife, reached an agreement with a local farmer who sells vegetables at the market to bake her kahk using her own ingredients, charging only for labour and enabling Bahgat to uphold Eid traditions without much financial strain.
EID OUTINGS: For many families, the Eid is not complete without family outings and picnics. However, with rising costs, social media pages have become valuable resources for finding affordable yet enjoyable destinations, such as parks and touristic sites.
Entry to the Cairo Tower costs LE70 per person, while entry for children under six years of age is free of charge. The Ahl Masr Walkway in Cairo offers entry at LE20, while Cairo’s Abdeen and Tahera Parks cost an entry ticket of LE5 each. The Maryland Park in Heliopolis costs LE30 for entry, allowing visitors to enjoy its artificial lake and cafés. Entry to the Al-Azhar Park is priced at LE45. It includes a kids’ area.
For a more cultural feel, the Beit Zeinab Khatoun behind the Al-Azhar Mosque prices entry tickets at LE10, while the Gayer-Anderson Museum (Beit Al-Kritliya), next to the Ibn Tulun Mosque in Sayyeda Zeinab has set its entry ticket at LE10, with photography costing an extra LE20. This museum was the location for major scenes in the movie The Blue Elephant.
Families that enjoy River Nile views can visit Maadi Island, which offers a variety of activities, including bicycling, horse-drawn carriage rides, river buses, fishing spots, amusement parks, and 18 photo locations for capturing Eid memories.
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation in Fustat is offering a unique historical journey for families eager to provide an educational yet entertaining experience for their children. Children can travel back in time and learn about ancient Egypt through interactive plays and films. Hands-on workshops allow kids to make accessories, paint mosaics, and try weaving. The kids’ area offers discounts during the Eid for siblings or extended hours.
Lastly, family-friendly farms offer children the chance to connect with nature, such as baking bread with farmers, horseback riding, touring fields and feeding animals, and taking memorable photographs with farm animals.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 27 March, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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