Deutsche Presse-Agentur Buying and selling in the markets of Tripoli boom during the first days of the holy month of Ramadan. Shops and megastores across the capital feature a diverse variety of goods, both local and imports from different countries across the world.

The markets of Tripoli are swarming with people during Ramadan. People are buying meat, vegetables, and fruit in large quantities, storing up huge amounts of food in preparation for Ramadan's heavy banquets and the rush of guests; a tradition which characterizes the holy month in the Arab World.

People offer in their breaking-of-fast feasts (iftar) the best and the tastiest kinds of foods, where all members of the family gather around the table. This year in particular, visits and hearty meals seem to be doubling in number, where the feasts feature even a more diverse variety of foods and drinks.

Even with the current economic recession in Libya, Libyan markets are being flooded with different merchandise. Commercial stores have also been featuring many imported goods.

But the most common purchase for the people of Tripoli during Ramadan is the national costume. Libyans, during this month, prefer to don traditional Libyan attire which they call the 'Moroccan dress' or the 'Arabian dress.' Old markets feature colourful exhibitions and are usually busy with people, especially after the iftar meal.

During the month of the fast, as Muslims call it sometimes, coffee shops open their doors until the early hours of the morning.

Smokers sit around in different Tripoli cafأƒآ©s, designed in an older oriental style, especially for the Libyan shisha that Libyan citizens call 'Arqeela.' Many Egyptians, Tunisians, Moroccans who live in Libya choose to spend their nights in cafes such as these.

Families visit relatives and friends, drinking, eating and talking the night away. Until almost dawn, Arabian delicacies and cold drinks are served.

Public gardens, hotels, restaurants and even internet cafes are full of activity during Ramadan, unlike any other month of the year. Youth hold friendly football matches between different districts, where the tournaments have a festival-like air.

People of Tripoli revive an old tradition during this month; setting out what Muslims call Mawaed al-Rahman, or the tables of mercy.

There are tables of free food placed in the streets in the evening right when the Muslims break their fast - on sidewalks, pavements, pavilions or public squares - for non-residents of Tripoli and for poor people.

Life during Ramadan is led at a different pace across the cities and villages of Libya; everything seems to slow down.

During the religious month, Libyans choose to go back to their traditional rituals, delving into Libyan custom, their own culture and heritage, and engaging heavily in Muslim religious practice. The religious spirit affects even the way many behave.

Life becomes leisurely and calm, especially during the day during which Muslims refrain from eating and drinking.

School starts at least an hour late, and students - with their blue and brown uniforms - are not seen so early in the morning as it used to be before Ramadan. Public and government employees work for only 48 hours every week; 12 hours less than their usual schedule.

On a cultural level, the Libyan television broadcasts entertainment shows and Arab serials and soap operas, especially made for Ramadan.

Different media feature an increase in religious shows in an attempt to cater to the increased sense of spirituality during the month.

Ramadan in Libya, however, is mostly characterized by the religious rituals where Libyans spend their time praying, remembering God, and contemplating their religion in an attempt to get closer to their creator. Social work and charity have been part of the tradition of Libyan Ramadan for decades.

Muslims flock to the mosques around Tripoli in order to pray and to learn to recite the Koran.

By the end of the month, people of Libya start preparing for the end-of-fast Islamic feast which is a three-day holiday where Muslims celebrate the end of the holy month, eat cookies and buy new clothes.

Women can be seen shopping around town, children in tow. In lighthearted mood, the family takes to the street and walks around different shops and stores trying on new - usually bright - clothes.