With the approaching Eid al-Adha, Lebanese markets began to witness uneven movement from one region to another, amid difficult economic and security conditions that weigh heavily on citizens and merchants alike. The Lebanese are trying to cling to the Eid atmosphere despite the high prices and the decline in purchasing power, while the most prominent question remains: Is the joy of Eid still present this year? On a tour of a number of markets, it became clear that trade activity this year differs significantly from previous years. Demand exists, but it is shy and cautious, as most citizens have begun to focus on purchasing basic needs only, while purchases related to luxuries or usual festive appearances during the holiday seasons have declined significantly. “Abu Omar,” the owner of a clothing store, confirmed that the movement “has improved relatively compared to the past weeks, but it is still very far from the holiday seasons that the Lebanese were previously accustomed to.” He explained that the majority of customers first ask about prices and discounts before making a purchase decision, noting that many families are now content with buying clothes for children only, while parents postpone purchasing their personal needs due to living pressures and high prices. He added that citizens are trying, despite the circumstances, to maintain the minimum Eid atmosphere, even through simple gifts or purchasing some necessary supplies, stressing that the volume of sales this year has clearly declined compared to previous years. In conversations with a number of citizens inside the markets, many expressed their concern about the next stage, especially in light of the continuing security tensions and deteriorating economic conditions.
One of the women said that she is trying as much as possible to keep her children from feeling the burden of the crisis, so she is keen to buy some Eid supplies, even on a limited budget, adding that “the joy of Eid is no longer what it was, but children cannot be completely deprived of it.”
In turn, Abu Omar pointed out that the markets previously witnessed great crowding before the days of Eid, but the scene this year is different, as the priority for most families has become securing food and basic needs, while many other expenses are dispensed with.
For his part, economic expert Ezzedine Al-Moussawi believed that the holiday seasons were no longer able to move the markets as before, due to the ongoing economic collapse and the decline in the purchasing power of the Lebanese. He explained that most families today live under great financial pressure, which prompts them to rearrange their priorities and focus on the basics only, noting that the state of anxiety and anticipation over any security or economic developments is directly reflected in the movement of markets and purchasing decisions.
Al-Moussawi pointed out that the repercussions of the recent war have deepened the economic crisis in an unprecedented way, especially on the tourism sector, which is considered one of the most vital sectors in Lebanon. He stressed that the tourism sector was damaged by a rate ranging between 85 and 90 percent as a result of the decline in the number of arrivals, the cancellation of reservations, and the cessation of many activities related to the tourist season, which had a negative impact on hotels, restaurants, and entertainment institutions.
He added that the commercial sector, in turn, was affected by a rate ranging between 60 and 80 percent, as a result of the decline in consumption and weak purchasing activity, while the industrial sector recorded a decline of about 50 percent, coinciding with the decline in the value of Lebanese exports from about four billion dollars to approximately two and a half billion dollars, which constituted an additional blow to the balance of payments and the Lebanese economy in general. Despite these harsh conditions, some aspects of Eid are still present in the streets and markets. The simple decorations, the smells of coffee and sweets, and the light crowding in front of some shops all reflect the Lebanese people’s adherence to their social customs and their attempt to maintain a small space of joy amid the successive crises. Many confirm that the Lebanese, despite economic pressures and fear of the future, still seek to cling to life and its simple details. For many families, Eid is no longer an occasion for big spending or wide celebrations, but rather an opportunity for family gatherings, exchanging visits, and feeling some human warmth in light of difficult circumstances.
As Eid al-Adha approaches, attention remains focused on the market activity in the remaining days, at a time when citizens hope that the occasion will pass calmly, and that they will be able to live the joy of Eid, even with modest means, away from the anxiety and crises that exhaust their daily lives.
