Libyans spend on Eid clothes, food, eidia

2009-09-18

Even after paying for Ramadan meals, new school supplies and summer holidays, Libyans still find ways to prepare for Eid festivities.

By Jamel Arfaoui for Magharebia in Tripoli — 18/09/09

[Fayez Nureldine/AFP/Getty Images] Libyans joyfully await Eid celebrations as Ramadan draws to a close.

As Ramadan enters its final days, Tripoli and other Libyan cities turn into a beehive of activity, as families scramble to buy Eid clothes and supplies.

Libyans face the same challenges as their neighbours in the other Grand Maghreb countries. The many occasions that coincide this year have strained their purses. The return to school next week, the expenses of Ramadan and the costs of the summer holidays are a financial burden to Libyan families. "

What I have saved up for this occasion hasn't covered half of the expenses, and I have to manage by all means available," said Mukhtar Tleci, a father of five.

Mukhtar has estimated his expenses this month to be around 1,000 Libyan dinars "as compared to a half or one-third of this amount in other regular days".

Despite the cost of food and clothes. Enthusiasm remains high. Families go out to markets after iftar or taraweeh prayers. They spend most of the time choosing the clothes that are suitable for them or their children. Loud voices, bargaining over prices, are a common sound in markets.

"Most Libyan families prefer to shop in the evening. The weather then would be helpful for movement. During the day, women would be busy preparing for the iftar table," said Abu Bakr Al Talhi, a Tripoli resident.

Monjia Al Dridi explained, "On this occasion, the woman in Libya becomes the crowned queen; she is the one who determines what is bought and what is not. She chooses her children's clothes and helps her husband in choosing his clothes."

It is a busy time for Al Musheer Al Rabedh market in the old town at the heart of Tripoli, as well as for the surrounding big streets, such as Al Makrif St. and Al Fateh Men September Boulevard. The most luxurious stores that sell clothes imported from Turkey and Europe are also doing brisk business.

Many traders take advantage of this occasion "to compensate their losses because of the low demand on their goods in the rest of the year," Youssef Ansari told Magharebia.

"Celebrating the Eid is an invaluable thing," he added.

Eid celebrations run for a whole week in Libya, and are a chance to visit family and friends and exchange dinner invitations. Libyan children are particularly excited.

Eid al-Fitr is called the Lesser Bairam (El Eid El Saghir) in the region. On that day, children receive different amounts of money called "eidia". When they congratulate older people on Eid, especially after prayers, each child receives his or her own eidia.

Rabie, a child, said, "I impatiently wait for Eid morning to stuff my pockets with gifts, which is always money. With these amounts, I spend it on what I want without anyone watching over my head."

Thuraya, unlike Rabie, prefers to save her money and to put in it her moneybox "to buy a laptop."