One of the unmistakable hallmarks of Ramadan in Egypt is the colourful, ornate lantern.
Lantern workshops abound in el-Khayameya Street in el-Darb el-Ahmar neighbourhood, Old Cairo.
Since the Fatimid era, young and old buy decorations and lanterns to celebrate the holy month.
The traditional lantern is 100 per cent Egyptian made. As for the musical variety that delights with festive songs, the sound system is imported.
A plastic lantern costs between LE10 and LE65 while metal ones will set you back from LE45 to LE2,800.
Every year, the lantern appears in different shapes and materials, but the traditional Egyptian lantern is turned in old workshops that are active before Ramadan and new types are imported.
The market this year is witnessing an overwhelming presence of the Egyptian lanterns, especially those made of wood and others in khayamiya fabric, in addition to the wrought-iron type with coloured glass.
Imported lanterns are not abundant this year, due to economic conditions and recent cuts in imports from China.
“This year, the largest demand for the traditional lantern and the wooden lantern,” said lantern seller Saeed Mohamed.
“It is completely Egyptian made and different sizes are available, the small one for children, and the large ones that are hung in homes and shops,” he added.
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