Ramadán, the month of fasting, spirituality … and consumption in Egypt | Letter of the correspondent | EUROtoday

The Sacred Month of Ramadan, the ninth of the Islamic calendar, is acknowledged above all by the quick that the majority Muslims observe from daybreak to the autumn of the solar; One of the 5 pillars of faith. The essence of the month, which this 12 months coincides nearly precisely with March, lies in a sure non secular withdrawal and a strengthening of household and group ties. But additionally, mockingly, round meals and a peak of consumption.

Beyond its spiritual side, Ramadan has a marked social and financial dimension, and retains some similarities with Christmas. During these dates, individuals spend extra time with their household, houses and streets are adorned, spending (and waste) is triggered in meals and presents, promoting adapts to the event. Even a sense of nostalgia for the previous and the assumption that fewer individuals now collect across the desk prevail, that the spirit will not be as robust as earlier than and that every little thing has grow to be too business.

In Egypt, in reality, the apply of fasting will not be even one of many customs that stand out most from Ramadan. In truth, surveys reveal that folks worth extra features comparable to household and social gatherings which are convened for the event, particularly to eat, spirituality and non secular devotion that awakens, and the accompanying atmosphere. How may or not it’s in any other case, these preferences permeate of their consumption patterns.

A survey carried out this 12 months in Egypt by the IPPSOS market research firm reveals that 60% of individuals save extra within the months previous to Ramadan with the intention of making ready for the rise in bills which are coming, since 75% point out that the month often interprets into better consumption and as much as 89% acknowledges that they benefit from procuring. Many, particularly younger individuals and excessive and medium rental individuals, additionally depart extra throughout Ramadan.

What are cash spent? During these dates, Egyptian households allocate about half of their bills to purchase meals and drinks, and nearly a 3rd to move and presents, based on a 2024 TGM survey, one other market studio firm. Another outstanding aspect of Ramadan is that the remaining quarter of bills are assigned to charity, with greater than half of the individuals making certain extra effort to donate.

A month wherein it’s fattened

Although it’s the month of the quick, the HLB advisor estimates that the consumption of meals in Ramadán represents 15% of the annual meals expense. During this month there are two important meals: the iftarwho breaks the quick, and the themhurearlier than daybreak. In Egypt, the iftar Start for many with dates and snacks, after which transfer on to quite a lot of important dishes. The 5 important, based on TGM, are stuffed greens, empanadillas, hen, baked macaroni and It diesa cake. Interestingly, extra individuals admit to realize weight to lose it.

In latest years, Ramadan’s phantasm in Egypt has been tarnished by the deep financial disaster that the nation goes by, and that’s primarily affecting the decrease class and what stays of the typical. In February, inflation stroked 13%, however the determine was even a cause for celebration as a result of it was the bottom in two years and since maximums of virtually 40% have been reached on the finish of 2023. To cushion the coup earlier than the sacred month, the federal government opens dozens of markets with merchandise at extra inexpensive costs and in February the minimal wage elevated, though it barely exceeds 120 euros per thirty days that in lots of circumstances will not be fulfilled.

Beyond the rise in consumption, Ramadan can be related to decrease productiveness as a result of fasting and the discount of working hours (and sleep). HLB locations this fall between 35 and 50%. However, the notion of the Egyptians is completely different and the overwhelming majority think about that their degree of common exercise and their productiveness at work will increase or stays the identical through the month, due – maybe – to the overexertion it represents.