CAIRO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Under a bright spring sun on Monday, the banks of the Nile River were filled with color as millions of Egyptians celebrated Sham El-Nessim, an ancient festival that marks the start of spring.
The holiday's name means "smelling the breeze." It dates back thousands of years to the time of the Pharaohs. Today, it remains a special day that brings all Egyptians together, no matter their religion or social status, to eat salted fish and painted eggs in the fresh air.
But this year, the celebration felt the weight of a tough economy.
Egypt is currently facing high inflation. The price of salted fish, an important part of the holiday meal, rose by about 30 percent this year due to higher fuel and shipping costs.
In Helwan, a green district south of Cairo, the parks were crowded despite the costs. Magdy Salib, a government worker, spent the day with his wife and two children. He said the tradition is part of who they are.
"We are living through a time of high prices, and the fish is more expensive this year," Salib said. "But this is a ritual we can't skip. It is the one day that brings every Egyptian together."
In Cairo's busy markets, the high prices have changed how people shop. Mohamed Ali, who has sold salted fish for 35 years, said his shop was still crowded, but people were choosing cheaper options.
"Many families are buying herring this year because it costs less than fesikh (fermented mullet)," Mr. Ali said.
To help families, the Egyptian government stepped in. The Ministry of Supply sent thousands of tonnes of food to state-owned shops, selling fish and eggs at a 25 percent discount. This help allowed many families to enjoy the feast without spending too much.
For many, the holiday was a chance to forget about money and appreciate the safety of home. With many conflicts happening in the region, the peace of a public park felt like a blessing.
"As I sit here in peace with my family, I realize how lucky we are," Salib said.
Hassan Ahmed, a father of three, agreed. After buying his groceries at a government-run discount shop, he spent the afternoon relaxing with his kids.
"The government shops made a big difference for us," Ahmed said. "My only hope is that this peace spreads to our neighbors so they can feel the safety we feel today under the Egyptian sky." ■
