Algerians welcome Eid with open hands, pockets.

By Fatiha Zmamoush (with photos)

ALGIERS, Sept 19 (KUNA) -- Algerians are welcoming Eid with open hands and

pockets as they shop for new clothes and desserts to celebrate this joyous

occasion. Othman Salam, an Algerian who works for a social insurance center, told

KUNA that he has allocated a special budget to get himself and the family new

garments to celebrate this much anticipated event. He said that Eid comes this year shortly after the summer vacation and

noted the financial burden that people with smaller incomes have to put up

with during these seasons. Busy Algerians tour malls in the capital, Algiers, searching for Eid

apparels and dessert ingredients. One can find all needs at Baliklour market, the main attraction for middle

class customers, offering a variety of choices for hundreds of Eid shoppers,

an employer at a water company Mohammad Balmokhtar said. According to one of the market's shop owners, Algerians head to Mallah

market with the kid stores that offer clothes and toys at reasonable prices. There is also the second-hand clothing shops which offer an alternative for

those who cannot afford pricy garments. As for housewives, sweets make a good part of Eid preparations. Some have

sweets prepared at their houses, while some busier women purchase them from

sweet shops all over the country. Ingredients used for making Eid desserts such as Baqlawa, Duziriyat,

Maqrot, Arayish, and Qaatayif are getting pricy, Algerian Souad Al-Majd said. The price of almonds jumped to 600 dinar per kilo, while peanuts are 180

dinar per kilo and coconut is selling for 250 dinar, she said, adding that

these three items are the main ingredients of any traditional dessert.

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