The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is big business for small groceries and the local atarat – shops specializing in spices, nuts, dates and expert gastronomists – but competition is fierce among the shop owners, all of whom provide the necessary goods for the ceremonies, rituals and meals during the month. Some Egyptians hit harder by the economic downturn cannot afford the higher-priced Ramadan nuts this year, and must instead settle for dates only. During Ramadan last year, demand for all varieties of nuts was high, but due to the gloomy financial conditions – both in Egypt and abroad – some people can no longer afford the now more expensive nuts for this year's festivities. Most Egyptian families are buying dates for Ramadan, as they are the cheapest staple for the holy month. Some consumers are reducing their Ramadan purchases not only because of financial constraints, but to honor the spirit of the revolution by not wasting with excess. Prices are high this year because of the failure of the government to put together an effective policy to combat the financial crisis, said one atara owner, adding that some employees in his shop were taking advances on their salaries to afford goods for Ramadan. Advances on salary and poor economic conditions contribute to high prices in the shops selling Ramadan goods, he added. Many shop owners changed the names of their dates (“Step Down Dates,” “Mubarak Dates”) to honor the January 25 Revolution and to drive demand for the fruit. “We mustn't buy excessive Ramadan goods; instead, we should buy only what satisfies us, and distribute the remainder to the poor,” said Rasha, an Egyptian citizen.
