Saudis welcome revival of communal Ramadan traditions old and new
Saudis are observing Ramadan in large groups once more after the kingdom lifted most precautionary Covid-19 measures before the holy month began.
With the return of communal ways of observing Ramadan come old and new traditions.
“When I was a young boy we had many celebrations like this – with grandfather playing carom (a Saudi board game), listening to stories, the canon and traditional Ramadan songs that were sung in public,” Abu Sulayman, a perfumer in the old town of Jeddah, tells The National.
“Then there was a lull, but now this year you can see all that we do privately become public once again.”
Every year, families prioritise relatives and close friends when it comes to iftar time.
“It is our culture to sit together to break our fast with our families,” says Lama Saeed, a Saudi living in Riyadh.
“When I was in university in London, I used to try and come back for Ramadan, as Ramadan in Saudi is like no other.
“The feeling of Ramadan is completely different. For instance, it is obligatory for us to send food to our neighbours, to help those in need.
“Last year we kept water, Arabic coffee and dates on a table outside our home for people to take from.”
Young Saudis aim to keep the traditions of the holy month alive. These include praying, breaking the fast together, watching Ramadan TV shows, listening to grandfathers over Arabic coffee and sweets, and playing their favourite Ramadan board and card games.
“We love playing baloot and carom. It’s the best part of the year for me,” says Mahmoud Zainy, a Saudi student in Riyadh.
“Both my grandfathers grew up playing the games and now all of us – three generations – play together.”
Alanoud Albloshi, from Jeddah, says her social media posts showing the bright lights of the city’s Al Balad area impress her foreign friends.
“You get one chance every year to do everything you love with your loved ones. Like, my grandfather and father loved going to Al Balad every Ramadan and so my father takes me every year and so on – the tradition lives on for many Saudis.
“Al Balad was the melting point. The trade, activities – everything happened here and now the city is spread out. But we come every year to have iftar and then stay around until late enjoying the local sweets, listening to our grandparents share stories, buying presents like thobes, perfumes and abayas. It’s so much fun.”
New Ramadan decorations can be seen in malls, buildings and on the streets throughout the kingdom. Most of the art and sculptures include stars, the Moon and a lantern.
However, this year Ramadan celebrations are booming in public spaces, including restaurants – with daily performances after prayers, and people dressed traditionally and singing songs or playing drums.
“People are loving the fact that they can now celebrate together, unlike the last two Ramadans, and businesses are flourishing because it means it’s back to business for them and more profitable,” says Abu Ahmad, an Egyptian customer at Meez restaurant in Jeddah.
“My kid loves the set-up here. They give you games, colouring and came out surprising us with a song, beating drums. The staff were so enthusiastic and help keep our spirits high during the blessed month.”
Many Saudi women who own small businesses and sell food online say this is the most profitable season for them.
“I sell online; I make fresh Arabic sweets and bread every day and sell via Instagram or on our stall in Al Balad,” says Umm Bilal, a Saudi vendor.
“Many women do it here every year – not just cooking but also selling handmade dresses and accessories.”
The area also plays host to tradition and innovation. Zawiya 97, a cultural centre, offers programmes that explore the area’s development.
For some, Al Balad also evokes the past.
“Al Balad for me is one of the most beautiful places in Jeddah – it’s magical,” says Leila Hafiz, a Saudi designer.
“One of my favourite things in Al Balad is hearing the maghrib adaan. It gives me goosebumps.
“The beauty of the old houses – you can just imagine how it was for pilgrims when they used to come down from their ships; the trading, spices and materials.”