Morning at ‘Atikilt Tera’

On the sunny morning October XX 2023, the fresh vegetable market located around the Haile Garment area was busy with a bustling hub of activity. Vendors were shouting out their prices and customers were carefully selecting their produce. The atmosphere was rich with the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of fresh fruits and vegetables, intermingled with the unpleasant odor of spoiled and perished produce. 

Named as Atikilt Tera, literally translated as vegetable market, this lively place serves as one of the go-to destinations for the city's residents in search of fresh and diverse produce.

As you approach the premises, a sense of bustling energy envelops you, making it clear that you've arrived at one of the hottest spots in the city. Teenage boys eagerly clutch grocery bags, dashing behind cars in hopes of lending a helping hand. Shoeshine boys occupy a corner, polishing footwear, while nearby women expertly brew coffee and tea. Amidst the lively scene, individuals skillfully balance plates of savory 'Sambusa', adding to the vibrant tapestry of the place.

Luck is on your side if you're able to snag a parking space near the market, but the challenges don't end there. As you make your way towards the entrance, the street is marred with mud and spoiled vegetables, making for a difficult walk on foot. 

While approaching the merchants you will hear them ask you to buy from them. They pick up the tomatoes and potatoes and show you how good they are. Their tired faces covered with dirt lights up when a customer approaches. They insist that you should pay the price they originally mentioned. 

“They’re from Meki,” said one of the traders holding tomatoes with his hands. “The red ones can last longer.”

With a hopeful tone, he emphasized the remarkable deal at hand.

"Just two weeks ago, a kilo of tomatoes cost 45 birr, but today, you can have them for a mere 30 birr per kilo," he said, eager to persuade and secure a buyer.

Amidst the rapid rise in prices for vegetables ranging from salad to cabbage, the latest reduction in tomato prices seems almost too good to be true. Frustrated buyers are left wondering about this anomaly, while traders attribute the price hikes to the recent spring fasting season of Orthodox religion followers, known as "Tsome Tsige".