As Ramadan begins in Damascus, the Syrian capital comes alive with cherished traditions that blend spirituality, family life, and sensory ritual. Streets in Old Damascus fill with the aromas of spices and home cooking as residents prepare for iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast. Families uphold generations-old customs, gathering around tables laden with traditional dishes and drinks that define the holy month.

Among the most beloved staples are tamari, a date-filled sweet; na'em, a quick meal eaten at sunset; and refreshing drinks such as licorice and tamarind. Markets like Al-Hamidiyah Souq bustle with shoppers buying these seasonal specialties, while vendors prepare for the rush before the evening call to prayer. For many residents, these flavors and scents are inseparable from childhood memories and the spirit of Ramadan.

This year, a powerful symbol has deepened the sense of nostalgia: the return of the Ramadan cannon after a 14-year absence. Fired at sunset in parts of Old Damascus, the cannon marks the end of the daily fast and reconnects residents with a tradition passed down through generations. Its echo through the old alleys has stirred memories among older Damascenes and excitement among children hearing it for the first time.

Evenings continue with prayers, social visits, and crowded cafes, as families stroll through markets and gather late into the night. Together, the rituals of worship, food, and community reinforce a shared heritage, making Ramadan in Damascus a vivid expression of continuity, identity, and collective joy.