Egypt Celebrates Eid al Fitr

Egyptians celebrated Eid el Fitr in their usual manner and traditions by baking homemade cookies, buying new clothes, going for walks and visiting friends and family.

On the streets of Cairo, we witnessed the usual clamor and overcrowding leading one to question whether any lessons had been learned from the January 25 revolution.

A Cairo resident told us "nothing is different than last year. The only difference is the conditions of the country. We hope that God would help the country to get through and become in a better state."

"I don’t think there is any link between the social traditions and the sense of revolution and change. There may be a bigger feeling of joy due to liberty." said another local.

A woman told us that she is celebrating Eid the way she’s always done. However, what is different this year is that the festivities are flavored with the scent of freedom.

"We are buying things for the children, but there is difference in prices. Prices this year are a bit higher," she said.

The only damper to the holiday spirit was soaring prices which was reflected in people’s low purchase power.

“Last year, I sold 150 pounds worth of goods, this year, I sold between 45 and 60 pounds”, noted one caramel vendor.

Besides economic woes, the biggest Egyptian fear remains law and order. One woman perhaps echoed many people’s sentiments best: “The continuous absence of police upsets me”.

"We can see that there are too much chaos and lack of organization. This is different and this is the change. In the past there was organization. Now we can’t walk in the streets. Everyone is pushing everywhere," a resident said.

Despite security fears and high prices, Egyptians are reveling in new freedoms and making the best of their holiday.

Adaptation: Stanela Khalil