Fares Village Is Renowned For The Making Of Palm Baskets

hich are used to carry and store food. Palm trees are important throughout Egypt as they supply not only delicious dates but many other products. In the workshops of Fares village, baskets are made from the hard parts of the leaves and leaflets (leaf segments) of the palm trees. This is an opportunity to meet local craftsmen and see their skills in practice.

Many different varieties of dates are grown in Egypt. As the season of date harvest is short, they are dried for use all year round. Dates have a high nutritional value and a small quantity can sustain a person for several days if other food is not available, making them an excellent food to carry on long desert trips. Dates play a special role in the holy month of Ramadan, when people often break their daily fast with dates and milk.

Date palms are an extraordinary plant as they need little water to thrive and can survive in harsh conditions. They are flexible and can withstand sandstorms. Other products from the palms include different types of baskets, furniture, parts of building construction and as a natural fencing material. A loofah-like fibre from the plant is used for cleaning dishes and skin care.