Sanaa, Yemen - Recent

Storyline:
Yemen's Cooperative Union for Textiles, Clothing and Productive Families has organized an even called "Our Local Eid" in Sanaa, the national capital, as part of efforts to support local products in the war-torn country for this year's Eid al-Adha, the festival of sacrifice, which started on Sunday.

During the eight-day event ending Saturday, Ali al-Jabali, a father of three, toured different sections. Ali said he was looking to buy something affordable for himself and his children.

After nine years of war and a blockade, people in Yemen are living in difficulty, and the situation worsened when government salaries stopped after the central bank moved to Aden.

Over the years, the challenges have only increased.

The event, which offered budget-friendly, locally-produced foods, clothes and traditional crafts, is a boost for families looking for happiness during Eid al-Adha.

During the festival, people perform the primary ritual of the festival by slaughtering an animal - a goat, sheep, camel, or cow, and distributing the meat to their family members and friends, as well as the poor and needy.

Shotlist:
Sanaa, Yemen - Recent:
1. Various of Yemenis doing shopping at "Our Local Eid" event;
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ali al-Jabali, father of three (starting with shot 1):
"I came with my children to this market to buy clothes for Eid. I found the prices reasonable and saw beautiful items in the market. Thank God, everything is made in Yemen.";
3. Various of Yemenis doing shopping at "Our Local Eid" event;
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Amjad al-Amari, resident (starting with shot 3):
"The people of Yemen face numerous hardships such as war, a blockade, and the struggle with salaries after the bank was moved to Aden. Despite the blockade and the suffering, there are festivals supporting the economy and families.";
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Abdulqawi al-Hatif, resident:
"People are trying to fight back and are producing local products to help the economy. We noticed that people are eager to support local products and families who make the items at home. These families have shifted from relying on salaries to becoming self-reliant through production.";
6. Various of Yemenis doing shopping at "Our Local Eid" event.

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