In recent years though, the fanous has been transformed into a plastic toy. Lanterns today can be shaped like Winnie the Pooh, Tweety, and more recently - Korombo the dectective.  With Ramadan beginning in just under two weeks, Al-Masry Al-Youm took to the streets in a search of the perfect fanous, one which is not blaring music or reciting chipmunk renditions of  Wahawy ya Wahawy.  And most important of all, a lantern made of something other than plastic.

El-Mamalik Citadel Gallery offers a large variety of handmade lanterns, from antique Moroccan to Egyptian Islamic, in different colours and sizes.

A large traditional Moroccan lantern with a hand carved design, dating from 1923, is one of the most eye catching lanterns in the store. The antique fanous costs LE3000. The gallery also offers an Islamic stained glass lantern for LE800.  This is another unique handmade piece of art.

Prices depend on how old the lantern is, and the size and material used to make it, according to Atef Hamouda, the owner of the gallery.

There is also a less expensive collection of traditional brass Egyptian lanterns on sale, ranging from LE60 to LE250, which can be lit either by candle or electricity.

Moroccan Konooz (Moroccan Treasures), another home accessories store, displays hanging brass Moroccan lanterns of different sizes, ranging from LE200 to LE450, as well as a selection of engraved lighting fixtures.

If you are looking for children’s lanterns, the gift and toy store - Top Toys has a diverse selection of both decorative brass and plastic toy lanterns.

A new selection of beaded medium sized lanterns is available at the shop in a variety of styles. You can find shiny lanterns with round beads, red heart shaped ones with brass wiring and metal lanterns with embossed multi-coloured glass panels. They are all designed with a side door allowing a candle to be placed inside.

“The advantage of these designs is that they are not dangerous for children. You can light them with a small artificial candle, sold at the store for LE5, which guarantees their safety.

It seems that, despite our initial worries, the traditional shape of the fanous remains a strong feature of Ramadan.

Al Masry Al Youm

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