Ramadan banquets and gatherings of family and friends for Iftar or Suhoor during the holy month are what remain in the memory whenever we relive the intimate moments we experienced in life. But the cost of creating these memories has become greater than the capabilities of most Arab families due to the stressful economic conditions.

Thus, the constant Ramadan custom in most Arab homes has become too large for any family to bear. In addition to the financial burden, the effort required by each feast is beyond the capacity of the lady of the house, especially after a long day of hunger and thirst.

Ramadan gatherings are no longer limited to one main category, two types of appetizers, the same for salads and a type of Ramadan dessert, but the preparation of the types of Azouma requires a few days, and the allocation of a budget for them, away from the daily needs of the family. In order to keep the joy going while reducing the cost, sharing banquets have become the easiest solution that ensures family gathering and Ramadan joy at no additional cost.

What is Participatory Determination?

Banquets based on the spirit of sharing are linked to the scope of work or study, where gathering becomes the goal, and a comfortable session and a pleasant encounter is the goal of the feast. Therefore, everyone seeks to reduce the material cost and reduce the effort, so that the feast does not cause fatigue to only one person, which is confirmed by etiquette expert Dr. Radwa Safwat by saying that "participatory gatherings, or what is called (Dish Party), is the best method used in festive occasions. It is widely spread in Western countries, in their celebrations of holidays and occasions, where the family gathers and each family participates in the gathering with one of everyone's favorite dishes."

Safwat believes in her interview with Al Jazeera Net that Arab societies spread this idea in ordinary days, away from Ramadan, especially among friends, and gatherings of women. However, the experience of participatory banquets in Ramadan requires more awareness of the economic situation that the majority of Arab households have become this year.

If you are asked to prepare food in a certain shape in the dish you are serving, you must comply with that request (pixels).

Arrange the sharing feast without shame

The call to the gatherings often starts from the first week of the Ramadan, and most often the family gatherings are arranged annually, the first week is allocated to parents, then the gatherings of siblings, relatives and then friends begin.

Safwat says that the idea may not convince the elders of the family, including parents, so it can be studied individually with siblings, and put into practice as much as possible by relieving the burden of parents, whether by participating in the preparation of food or by carrying one or more types of sweets or main dishes under the pretext of skill in making it.

"It is essential that parents or grandparents do not feel embarrassed in front of their children and grandchildren, especially as they want to give their best at such an annual feast. So, we just have to lighten up, unless there are reasons why frankness and serious participation in the feast, both materially and morally, is necessary."

Agreement on varieties and their division

Agreeing on items is a necessity in preparing shared banquets, especially if there are people who are dieting, vegetarian, or do not prefer certain types of food that cause allergies to some of them. Therefore, the type of items must be agreed upon, and divided according to skill in manufacture, so it is preferable for each person to prepare the item in which he excels, with the calculation that the cost is often equal, and everyone must take into account that the host family - if the Azouma is home - is no more than a main dish and varieties of soup and salads.

Remaining food may not be claimed unless shared with you by the host family (Shutterstock)

Assembly rules

Gathering at banquets has basic rules. In order not to become the repulsive person at the annual meeting, you need to consider a few things:

  • The first is not to require additional people to attend without telling the hosts. The fact that you take food with you does not give you the right to control the house.
  • The remaining food may not be claimed, unless shared with you by the host family, it is a gift, and you may not take the gift after the visit.
  • Don't talk about the cost or effort you put into preparing the dish you brought with you to the feast, it won't make you the best.
  • If you are asked to prepare the food in a certain way, or to use specific materials in the preparation of the dish you will serve, it is necessary to comply with this request, because someone may be allergic to dairy, gluten, or even fish, and may cause him harm if you change the required amounts. So, if you can't commit from the start, choose another item that doesn't need special adjustments.
  • Getting close to family or meeting friends and enjoying spending time with them is the goal for which these Ramadan banquets are held, so do not make them an opportunity to monopolize the conversation and impose your adventures and stories on everyone all the time.