The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, during which believers fast from dawn to sundown, begins next Saturday 27 May. It is a month of fasting and feasting; the time between breaking the fast with iftar meal at sunset and resuming it at dawn the following day being traditionally a time of fun, family visits, and festive entertainment. Among the most firmly-held traditions and symbols of Ramadan is the fanous, lantern, which was used in the old days before electricity to give light to the dark evenings.
The Ibrahim Helmy Library in Banha, Qaliubiya, 20km northeast Cairo, has held an art workshop for children to make Ramadan lanterns. A multitude of children eagerly participated; they were guided by artist al-Sayed Khalil al-Sawi, and Muhammad Ghali, the library manager.