Riyadh Gears Up for Eid Al-Fitr Celebrations
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, the excitement for the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holiday is palpable in Riyadh. Crowds are gathering to purchase clothing, sweets, and toys in preparation for the joyous celebration.
Madawi Al-Blushi, a dedicated Eid shopper at Al-Owais traditional market, shared with Arab News: “Eid holds a special place in our hearts, not just for our family but for all Muslims worldwide.
“For us, the priority is shopping for essentials like dresses and thobes for the Eid gathering. Then, we move on to buying gifts, toys, and candy for the children.”
Arab News visited the bustling traditional market where families were eagerly shopping for new items ahead of Eid, as many shops and stores in Saudi Arabia shut down during this time.
Al-Owais Market stands as a popular destination for purchasing abayas, dresses, shoes, and even furniture and home items. It is considered a staple in Riyadh for traditional shopping.
Al-Blushi mentioned, “My family and I visited Al-Owais Market after Taraweeh prayers. The weekend and the approaching last 10 days of Ramadan have made it quite crowded as expected.”
She emphasized the significance of preparing the dresses and thobes for the family gatherings during Eid celebrations.
“We have a tailor who customizes our dresses every year. Our family hosts a special breakfast on Eid morning, and dressing up is a crucial part of our tradition,” Al-Blushi explained.
Not only do the women have their dresses tailored, but the men in the family also have specific thobes and shoes made for Eid, reflecting the importance of new and festive attire during the celebration.
Eid is a time when Muslims worldwide dress in their finest clothes, gather for the Eid prayer, and then come together with friends and family to rejoice, share meals, and exchange sweets.
The spirit of Eid shopping extends beyond clothing to include sweets, gifts, and sometimes even new silverware for the special family breakfasts during Eid.
Al-Jowhra bin Khalid, another shopper at Al-Owais Market, highlighted the charitable aspect of Eid shopping through Zakat Al-Fitr donations and emphasized the joy of shopping in person rather than online.
Shopkeepers also benefit from the Eid preparations, as families flock to shopping malls and local markets in the final days before Eid to make up for slow sales during Ramadan.
Um Saleh, a shopkeeper of small toys, shared her experience of increased sales as Eid draws near, attributing it to people’s desire to celebrate and spread joy, especially among children.
As the countdown to Eid Al-Fitr continues, the people of Saudi Arabia are fully immersed in their Eid preparations, eagerly awaiting the festive celebrations on the night of April 10.