As some of you already know Ramadan which is a holy month for Muslims around the world is just around the corner.
Ramadan in Tunisia is marked by fasting, intensified prayer and reflection, communal gatherings for Iftar, the enjoyment of traditional foods, charitable giving, and strengthened family and social bonds.
Beyond religious observances, Ramadan in Tunisia is a time of generosity and compassion
Similar Read: 10 Delicious Tunisian Dishes for Ramadan
Ramadan in Tunisia
Ramadan which is known for being a month were Muslim people fast (do not eat or drink anything from sunrise to sunset). The thought of not eating might seem strange to some of you people who have not experienced it themselves but let me assure you as person who did fast since I was 14 or so we will not die.
We might tend to be grumpy the first couple of days because we are in dire need for caffeine but that will be fine around the third of forth day of Ramadan or like I call it Hunger Games Month.
Now here is a list of nine things to take into account if you will be in Tunisia in Ramadan.
Avoid Supermarket
Avoid all big supermarkets and grocery stores the first two days before the start of the whole month. It is the survival of the fittest show.
Again, I repeat don’t go anytime during that period. The lines will be absurdly long, and it will take forever to check out things you bought. Not worth it I promise you!
Expect Coffee-shops & Restaurants to be Closed
Expect most of the coffee shops and restaurants to be closed during that fasting period. If you are not observing that month, I recommend making sure you check the few places that will be open. Again this doesn’t really apply in the current situation but this will hopefully come in handy in the future.
Make Sure you Respect Other People’s Feelings
Make sure you respect other people’s feelings. I remember how much I disliked that colleague who was drinking coffee in front of me while I was fasting. I like to think that I do not mind the fact that she/he was eating but the coffee part killed me
Expect to be Invited for Iftar
Expect to be invited for Iftar (the breaking of fast meal). Tunisians tend to extend invitations to friends and relatives because this month is the one you are encouraged to let go of all the grudge and forgive people.
Suggested Read: 10 Things to Know If Invited for a Tunisian Iftar
You are also expected to accept invitations and show up before the actual call to prayer because people are starving and it very rude to show up late. Don’t be that terrible human who is standing between hungry humans and food.
Wide Variety of Sweets
Expect a wide variety of sweets that are tempting and hard to resist. We humans “starving” ourselves by choice during the day tend to crave tons of sweets things so that usually leads to a variety of delicious and unhealthy treats.
Prices Increase
Expect an increase in some of the veggie’s prices. Parsley is one of the things which will be 4 times more expensive. I recall every year cursing the farmers for the insane prices of a basic and silly thing. But if you know that such a herb is used daily in two of the most frequently cooked Ramadan meals so you will understand the prices.
Ramadan Night Evenings Iftar in Downtown
Make sure you check one of the night evenings Iftar in downtown. I recommend checking few restaurants in the capital as that will be a pure cultural experience. Again lets not forget we are still home quarantining and self-distancing like decent human beings so this is not an option but may be in the future things will be different.
A Cup of Turkish Coffee or Mint Tea in the Medina
Visit the Medina and have a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea. You will love the lights and the fun music or celebrations in there. There are usually various options to check if you are into old music or art.
Be aware of the Tunisian Briks
Be aware of the Tunisian Briks! Tunisians make briks (which I usually describe to my none Tunisian friends as a spring roll stuffed with tuna/meat or seafood goodies mixed with cheese, eggs, parsley). You can’t hide from the briks.
To conclude about Ramadan in Tunisia, I wish all of you who are observing the month all the best. May it be one month full of blessings and peace and health! Remember we are all in this together and lets be thankful and extra nice to each other.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Foods to Eat in Tunisia
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