Think trick-or-treating but in Ramadan! In Egypt, the Gulf, and parts of Iraq, kids have been dressing up, singing rhyming songs, and collecting sweets from neighbors for centuries during a tradition called Gargee’an.
It’s festive, fun, and full of nostalgia, bringing communities together just like Halloween—but with a Middle Eastern flair.
How It Was Celebrated in Egypt: The “Halu Ya Halu” Tradition
In Egypt, children once roamed neighborhoods during Ramadan nights, singing “Halu Ya Halu” and calling out the names of homeowners to receive sweets or money. If they were denied, they had cheeky songs ready to poke fun at the stingy household, claiming it was full of ifrits.
This practice, though now rare in Egypt, was an integral part of Ramadan celebrations. While Egypt’s version has faded, its spirit lives on in the Gulf’s Gargee’an festivities.
Gargee’an in the Gulf: A Tradition Still Thriving
Unlike Egypt, the Gulf has kept this tradition alive under various names: Qarangao (Qatar), Qarqe’an (Kuwait & Saudi), and Qaranqasho (Oman). Kids still go up to different doors, chanting, “Ya Allah keep their child safe, Ya Allah Keep the child for his mom, give us so Allah can give you” to guarantee the goodies.
Today, Gargee’an is a grand mid-Ramadan celebration. Families organize events with candy, nuts, face painting, henna, and even matching traditional outfits.
Kids parade through the streets with cloth bags and sown by their moms around their necks, eagerly collecting sweets. The festival serves as a way to honor the children who fasted the first half of Ramadan and to encourage them to continue fasting for the rest of the holy month.
More than Just Candy: A Tradition with Deep Roots
Gargee’an isn’t just about scoring sweets—it’s been around for ages. Some say the name comes from Qurat al-‘Ayn (delight of the eye) in honor of Imam Hassan, while others think it’s tied to the sound of kids knocking on doors for treats.
Even the classic Ramadan song “Halu Ya Halu” goes way back to when kids welcomed Caliph Al-Mu’izz to Cairo. Whether through songs, snacks, or street parades, Gargee’an is a tradition that’s kept the Ramadan vibes alive for centuries.
Trick-or-Treat, But Make It Ramadan
With kids rocking colorful fits, nostalgic neighborhood vibes, and a full-on candy haul, Gargee’an has serious trick-or-treat energy—but with a Ramadan twist. Egypt’s version may have faded, but the Gulf is keeping it alive, proving that traditions don’t disappear—they just evolve into something even sweeter.
So, who’s up for some Ramadan trick-or-treating?
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