Morocco's Eid al-Fitr traditions place financial strain on families

2007-10-11

During Eid al-Fitr, many Moroccans carry on traditions inherited over generations from their ancestors. The purchase of new clothes for children is an essential part of this feast day, even if it strains parents' budgets.

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 11/10/07

[Sarah Touahri] Clothing shops are packed on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.

With the approach of Eid ul-Fitr, business booms for many Moroccan retailers. Each year on the eve of the feast, clothing shops are crowded from morning to night with parents eager to buy new garments for their children.

Demand has increased for children's and traditional clothing, with many families making significant financial sacrifices to maintain their traditions and please their children. This year's purchases have been particularly difficult given the holiday season's overlap with the start of the new school year and a general rise in prices.

In order to create a festive atmosphere and indulge in the traditional gift-giving, some Moroccans have even gone into debt.

Such is the situation of Bensalem Hamdane, a worker. As a father, he felt he could not deprive his children of happiness during the festival. "I don’t have enough money, because I spent it all during the holidays and at the start of the new school year. Fortunately, I know a shopkeeper and I’ll be repaying him in monthly instalments. I had to buy new clothes for my two children. That’s the tradition."

Each year the marketplace is dominated by frenetic buying over the last four days of Ramadan. Ready-to-wear clothing shop owners are eager for the high numbers of customers and cannot wait for the arrival of the Eid.

Samira Zainabi, 29, works in a large clothing store in Rabat. "We’re very busy. We are always rushed off our feet during this period. Profit margins are great, because customers are aware how high the demand is and don't haggle much."

A sales assistant in one of the capital's downtown shops told Magharebia, breathlessly: "Work is getting busier and busier. This is the most flourishing period of the year."

Business in Rabat's old medina is also red hot. A feeling of joy and bliss can be seen on children’s faces: "I’m really happy. My mum’s bought me my Eid clothes. All I need now are the shoes and I’ll be looking beautiful on feast day," said 6-year-old Nisrine, her eyes twinkling with happiness.

Sociologist Ahmed Chaabouni told Magharebia it is impossible to change people's mindsets. "Moroccans from all social classes try to keep up the customs they inherited from generations back. For them, this is the only way to have a good time at the feast. Without a doubt, their children’s happiness becomes their own," he said.

To maintain customs, traditional dress is de rigueur during this holy period. Men and women, young and old, flock in increasing numbers to specialty shops. "I want a new djellaba for Eid, but I don’t have much time. I’d rather buy a ready-made one, even though it’s more expensive," one girl said, admiring the clothes on display in a city-centre shop window.

The rush to buy things as Eid approaches applies not only to clothing, but also to all kinds of cakes and treats. Moroccans spare no expense in their pursuit of happiness during the feast. It is also a time to visit family, to set differences aside and to start a new page in life.