Ramadan

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan started about two weeks ago. According to Wikipedia Ramadan is a religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is believed to be the month in which the Qur'an was revelaed to the angel Gabriel and delivered to the prophet Muhammad.

Muslim's who observe Ramadan abstain from many things during daylight hours - no food or drink at all as well as no smoking; but come sundown the party (Iftar) begins. There is major feasting all night, every night, until the wee hours of the morning. The work day is shortened in most places, so that families can be together to start the feast once the sun is down. This basically means you shouldn't expect too much business to get done for the month!! And many small businesses shut down all together and they use Ramadan as a chance to spruce up their joints.
Lamp shop at the Khan El Khalili

People often decorate their homes and workplace for Ramadan, with strings of coloured lights and the symbol of Ramadan - the lantern. Makes for a rather festive appearance.
Ramadan light in a neighbour's window