Ramadan Bazaar brings Saudi culture to life in the United States

JEDDAH: During the month of Ramadan, families across the Kingdom often use all kinds of decorations to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that captures the essence of the holy month.

Jeddah residents looking to purchase Ramadan and Eid decorations can find a wide range of options at local stores including The Gift Centre, Abyat, Ya Balash, Al Bashawat, Bravo and Day By Day KSA. These shops offer a variety of lanterns, lights and decorative tableware to enhance the festive spirit of Ramadan.

Sufyan Raya, a senior digital marketing specialist at Al Hedayah Centre, told Arab News that 30 percent of the store’s inventory is dedicated to a variety of Ramadan decorations. In addition, 35 percent of the inventory consists of related tools.

“The most popular lanterns this year were the hand-painted wooden lanterns imported from India and the copper lanterns from Egypt. The Hedayah Center also provided table and hanging lanterns, which witnessed a great demand this season.

He added: In preparation for the awaited Ramadan season, we supplied 66 containers from different countries such as India, China and Egypt. As for the main warehouse and warehouse stores, the entire stock was depleted by 100 percent on the eve of Ramadan.

Dima Al-Nabulsi, co-founder of catering and events company Sisters and Co, told Arab News that every year is the same, but special: “In Ramadan specifically there are things that never change…the Ramadan experience, the gatherings, the love given and received. “

“I like to make sure my home is cozy for the season, but for me, simplicity is key. When I go to decorate during the month, there are different centerpieces everywhere but they bring with them a sense of peace, and that is exactly what I aim for this Ramadan, peace and calm with a light heart. The same applies to my clients on our packages.

Every year, the sisters' special date balls are an unforgettable gift. This year, they are also offering classic wooden and acrylic boxes, as well as traditional and personalized pottery boxes with Ramadan gifts.

“In my personal opinion, when it comes to Ramadan trends, this year’s colors were a mix of blue, white and gold. The minimalist theme of lanterns or small lights is thriving, with the crescent moon being the main focus as it is the holy month. “Although… Every year has the same taste, but there is always a new touch that focuses on elegance.”

Nima Sabaa, a mother of five children, takes a keen interest in home decor every Ramadan season. “I decorated my home with various motifs, giving each room a unique design. The dining room features gold table decorations, while the entryway is bohemian in black. The living room is enhanced with gorgeous lighting and traditional bamboo and rattan décor.

She is keen to involve her children in the decorating process because it brings them “overwhelming joy and clear happiness in their eyes.”

Preparing the new kitchen and dining sets for Ramadan is crucial to enhancing the warm atmosphere of the home. “I arranged the kitchen and created a prayer area, with an incense burner, the Qur’an and a rosary, to highlight the importance of worship during this holy month and also to motivate my children for Ramadan.”

She added that she bought new jalabiyas or kaftan dresses for her daughters from the Consumex National and Consumer Industries Exhibition 2024 in Jeddah last month.

During a tour of the 2024 exhibition, Arab News interviewed Khader Ismail, who is famous for running one of Cairo’s leading lantern kiosks in the historic Darb al-Ahmar district. This annual fair, which takes place during the month of Shaban and Ramadan, attracts visitors for its festive atmosphere and variety of local and Arab culinary offerings.

This year marked a decade of Ismail and his father's involvement, as they had two stalls filled with the latest Ramadan decor trends from Egypt. Their set became a highlight for festival-goers. “This is our tenth year in a row, including pre-pandemic times,” Ismail told Arab News. “Our visitors expect our new selections every year, and we are committed to updating our offerings.”

The lanterns offered range from less than $1 to $267. There are more than 200 species, ranging in size from 5 cm to 2 metres.

In addition, Ismail's booths feature a group of characters from the TV series “Fananis”, which is shown on MBC during the month of Ramadan. These characters have become as beloved and iconic as the classic Egyptian Ramadan characters such as Fatouta, Bakkar, Bouji, and Tamtam.

“Surprisingly, this year’s best sellers included linen tablecloths with updated Khayamiya patterns in gray and pink and hand-embroidered tablecloths in different Ramadan themes. Small Musaharati drums for children were also among the most requested items, reflecting the charm and appeal of Ramadan traditions,” he added. .

Khayyamiya patterns

Khayyamiya patterns are derived from the Arabic word “khaymah” which means “tent”. It is a decorative fabric bearing distinctive geometric and curved arabesque patterns, and has been historically used to decorate tents throughout the Middle East. It is believed to have originated in Egypt and has since made its way through the region. It has become widely popular in recent years, taking the Saudi Arabia market by storm, and is now used in tablecloths, cushions, accessories, dresses, prints and more.

Al-Musaharati

Al-Musahrati is a phenomenon that pertains only to Ramadan and is common in the neighborhoods of Egypt and the Levant. A Musaharati is a person dressed in traditional clothing, who walks around, shouting and beating a drum to wake people up for suhoor.

It is a respected tradition that continues to this day.

Create a festive atmosphere at home

Transforming your home into a festive paradise this Ramadan doesn't have to be complicated, and it's never too late to turn on the lights and beautify your space. Here are some simple ideas to set the stage for an unforgettable end to the month of reflection and celebration:

1.⁠ ⁠Set a Ramadan-inspired table using elegant dinnerware, gold-embellished cups and embroidered napkins. Add a centerpiece of fresh flowers or candles to lift the ambiance.

2.⁠ ⁠ Hang string or fairy lights around the living room and dining area to create a warm, inviting glow. Mix and match different sizes and shapes for a whimsical touch.

3.⁠ ⁠Incorporate traditional items such as dates, Arabic coffee sets and incense burners to infuse your home with the scents and flavors of the holy month.