Riyadh: As the sun dipped toward the horizon on the first day of Ramadan, Souq Al Awaleen in Al Safa district of Jizan city came alive with a renewed wave of commercial activity, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the blessed month. Organized by the Jazan Municipality, the Ramadan market witnessed brisk trade and growing crowds in the final hours before Maghrib prayer. Families, residents, and visitors streamed through its walkways in a scene that captured the season's unique character and its deep-rooted social traditions in the region.
According to Saudi Press Agency, more than just a marketplace, Souq Al Awaleen has become a prominent economic and cultural stop on Jazan's Ramadan calendar. It seamlessly blends commerce with heritage, embodying the values of community connection, cooperation, and generosity that define Saudi society during the blessed month. Its corridors transform into a lively tapestry of sound and movement, with vendors calling out their offerings and shoppers weaving between stalls, all contributing to the market's liveliness and bustling activity.
The market features a wide array of traditional foods, including local dishes, sweets, tanoor bread, dates, fresh fruits and vegetables, classic Ramadan main courses, and freshly prepared juices. These products represent an integral part of the region's cultural heritage, helping preserve national identity and showcase the richness of local traditions. For many, tasting these foods evokes cherished Ramadan memories passed down through generations, while offering an opportunity to share stories and experiences.
During a field tour conducted by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) inside the market, several vendors emphasized that their participation extends beyond business, affirming that the market is an annual occasion to revive folk heritage and strengthen social ties in an atmosphere marked by warmth and pride in local traditions. Shoppers, too, expressed their appreciation for the market's distinctive ambiance, noting that it has become a social gathering point where friends and colleagues meet before iftar. Each year, the visit carries a renewed sense of joy, reflecting the happiness of fasting families and their celebration of the arrival of Ramadan.