The Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Romania is preparing for Ramadan, which takes place this year between March 10 and April 9.

Ramadan in Bucharest, under the sign of diplomacy, friendship and generosity!

During an event for the group formed by the wives of the heads of mission from Bucharest (SPOHOM), Mrs. May Saied, the wife of His Excellency, Mr. Moayad Fathallah Mohamed Eldalie, the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Romania, organized a festive meal full of color, music and flavors, and the central element was the upcoming Ramadan celebration.

The guests were welcomed with a festive meal in the spirit of Ramadan, and the Embassy was decorated with elements specific to the period.

The decorations for this event were created by His Excellency’s wife herself.

The indispensable lantern specific to Ramadan, the cannon that used to announce the first meal of the day and the food cart attracted the attention of those present.

These, like the tablecloth and various arrangements that adorned the residence, are made of a special material used by Egyptians to decorate their homes during Ramadan.

During the event, there was no lack of live music, and the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Bucharest was filled with Arabic music.

The action organized by Ms. May Saied, the wife of Mr. Moayad Fathallah Mohamed Eldalie, the Ambassador of Egypt in Romania, led those present in an atmosphere of spirituality, friendship and generosity.

Ramadan is a very special month for Muslims, a time of contemplation, meditation and religious devotion.

During Ramadan, bad thoughts, insults, criticism of those around you, smoking during the day or lies must be banished. Also, Muslims will eat only two meals. The first is called Iftar (literally translated into English means Break Fast) and represents the moment of breaking the Ramadan fast, which takes place immediately after sunset.

The time of the second meal is called Sohour. Between Iftar and Sohour people are allowed to eat and drink generously. After Iftar, Muslims usually go out to restaurants, cafes, to visit their relatives or friends. In general, nightlife in Egypt is very active during Ramadan. But the first dawn brings with it the resumption of fasting. Many of the Egyptian traditions related to Ramadan have lost their roots over time, but that does not mean that they are not kept sacred by each individual family.

The style of decorating the streets and houses with garlands made of paper or plastic strips/fringes, strongly colored, was thus preserved. Also, Ramadan is incomplete without the traditional lanterns. They hang in the streets and in the homes of Egyptians, and children receive special lanterns with light games and traditional songs.

A peculiarity of Ramadan in Cairo is the „Iftar Cannon” which even today fires at the time of the „Maghrib” prayer, announcing the first meal of the day.

Because this period is so important in gathering family relationships, Egyptians spend their evenings in the company of relatives or friends, in their homes or at street events.

As morning approaches, the ‘Messaharati’, the drummers who herald the approach of dawn, used to walk the streets before sunrise reminding the Muslim faithful that it is time for Sohour. A period of spiritual purification, Ramadan is much more than abstinence from food and drink, and fasting should be complemented by charitable contributions to support those in need.

During the last days of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate „Laylat Al Qadr”, the holiest night of the year. It commemorates the night when the Koran, the holy book, was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.