Kodak Agfa presents: Cairo’s Al-Sayeda Zeinab Ramadan Bazaar 2026

It is the time for annual posts celebrating Ramadan bazaars in Cairo.

This is year I went to Al-Sayeda Zeinab’s annual Ramadan bazaar, and it was great and amazing as usual.

Ramadan Kareem as always from Al-Sayeda Zeinab

I didn’t go to Al-Sayeda Zeinab Bazaar last year — I only passed by quickly in the car.

Last year, I went to the Taht el-Rab’a Ramadan Bazaar, and I actually went again this year.

Inshallah, wait for more photos and more stories from Tahat el-Rab’a and beyond.

Back to Al-Sayeda Zeinab’s bazaar, it was buzzing this year.

Port Said street in Al-Sayeda Zeinab was loadeed by people 

You feel the spirit of Ramadan as soon as you set foot in Port Said Street, right in front of Al-Sayeda Zeinab Mosque and Shrine.

By the way, these photos were taken this time with a Sony a6500 and a wide-angle E 20mm lens, as a change from the usual kit lens.

It delivered great results, as you can tell.

Especially that I took for street night photography with no flash.

 

 

 

It is prefect for portraits.

Here is the portrait of Tamara.

Tamara works at one of the largest makeshift stands selling Ramadan lanterns and decorative accessories. The stand is run by a single family — Um Essam’s family.

Longtime readers of Egyptian Chronicles who follow my annual Ramadan market photo series will definitely recognize it.

For clarity — Tamara was the one who asked to be photographed. I don’t take portraits of people unless they explicitly ask me to.

This is Malek.

Along with his brothers — who preferred not to be photographed — Malek was selling fireworks.

Malek asked to be photographed, while his brothers shyly hid their faces from the camera.

An illegal trade, fireworks have nonetheless become a loud and long-standing tradition for boys during Ramadan nights after iftar, and especially during Eid.

I saw many children selling goods in the markets of Al-Sayeda Zeinab and Taht Al-Rab’a. Some would argue that, since it’s midterm break, they are simply helping their families.

But I have never seen this number of children either selling goods or assisting adults in the market before.

It tells you a lot about the economy.

Anyhow I hope you like the photos.

As I mentioned above, the turnout was huge — especially at night during the weekend.

I went there on Saturday, 31 January, and as you can see, it was absolutely packed.

There was a cross section of the Middle class of the Egyptian society.

There were old and young , Muslim and Christian , all searching for lanterns and decorations with affordable prices.

I feared that after the renovations of the Al-Sayeda Mosque and shrine, the government might end or halt the seasonal bazaars — especially the Ramadan one.

The familiar, ever-present street vendors on Port Said Street remain, setting up their makeshift stands—among them a seller of pottery tagines trading under the name “Al-Sayeda Pottery.”

Prices of Ramadan lanterns for 2026 in the Sayeda Zeinab area range across different levels to suit the purchasing power of various Egyptian households.

Traditional lanterns made of tin and glass start at EGP 25 for small sizes and can reach up to EGP 270 for medium-sized pieces featuring more detailed decorations and engravings.

Prices for the largest, more elaborately decorated lanterns start at over LE 1,000.

For those seeking more affordable options, markets offer wooden lanterns starting at just LE 10 for very small sizes, rising to LE 130 for larger size.

This type has become especially popular among families looking to balance celebrating the holy month with current economic conditions.

Small plastic lanterns and keychain-sized versions start at LE 10 to 30, while colored plastic lanterns begin at LE 29.

Medium-sized models range between LE 125 and LE 350.

That Ramadan cake — more of a musical decoration than a traditional lantern — was being sold for LE 350.

I do not consider items like the Ramadan cake to be actual Ramadan lanterns. They are more like Ramadan-themed toys, especially popular with children.

This year, I found that Labub—a very cheap version of the infamous Labubu—along with Stitch and Minions, are among the top-selling Ramadan toy lanterns.

The Labub toy lantern is sold for LE 350.

Also among the bestsellers is a dancing jellyfish lantern imported from China.

It does not look particularly Ramadan-themed, but it sings and dances. It is sold for LE 270.

Most plastic lanterns are made in China and enter the country classified as toys, due to an existing decree banning the importation of Ramadan lanterns in order to protect the national, traditional Ramadan lantern industry.

Official figures from the Gifts and Toys Division at the General Federation of Chambers of Commerce confirm that prices have increased by around 25% compared to last year, while local production has declined to just 30%.

Barakat Safa, Deputy Head of the Gifts and Toys Division at the General Federation of Chambers of Commerce, acknowledged that Ramadan lantern prices for 2026 have risen by approximately 25% compared to last year.

He attributed the increase to higher production costs, rising wages for workers and manufacturers, and increased transportation expenses following fuel price hikes.

The Ramadan plushies featuring popular characters from Egypt’s pop culture associated with the holy month like Boogy , Tamtam and Bakar are still available.

Their prices range from LE 75 to LE 350.

I noticed a new character — a girl dressed in a black sheet.

 

I could not tell whether she represents a Khaleeji figure wearing an abaya, or an Egyptian character wrapped in the traditional black melaya once common in working-class neighborhoods.

Needless to say, seeing the plushies hanging like that made me imagine what it would look like when Ramadan meets Halloween.

Prices of dates in the Sayeda Zeinab area and its consumer outlets at the start of the Ramadan 2026 season range between EGP 20 and EGP 150 per kilo.

Dry dates start at EGP 25 per kilo, while semi-dry varieties are priced between EGP 50 and 55 for 700–800 grams.

Sukari dates sell for around EGP 160 per kilo, offering a variety of options to suit different budgets.

What I also noticed this year is the huge demand for Ramadan light accessories.

They are similar to Christmas light decorations, but tailored for Ramadan.

In fact, I found that some Christmas lighting ornaments are being sold in the Ramadan bazaar.

They are all made in China and are sold at prices starting from LE 15, going up to LE 100 and above.

As you can see, those Ramadan LED neon lights were extremely popular.

They can be hung on balconies and walls.

There was also huge demand for Ramadan tableware and textiles in the market.

However, despite the fact that they appear cheaper in Sayeda Zeinab, I found an even more affordable place — so stay tuned for another Kodak Agfa post about it.

And also watch out for a new episode of Seasons and Streets featuring the Sayeda Bazaar.