A river rises, religions bring hope and a breeze breathes life into it all. Welcome to the festivals in the mystical land of ancient Egypt. When the businesses close early, people gather in song and authentic dishes are served up, get lost in timeless celebrations of the festivals in Egypt. Below is a list of festivals, in date order, celebrated throughout the year in Egypt. Set camp on the edge of the Nile, marvel at the dancers, shop in the holiday bazaars and take a boat ride down the river Moses’ cradle carried him, on a trip of a lifetime you’ll never forget.

COPTIC CHRISTMAS

When: January 7

Location: In Cairo and other Coptic Regions, but also throughout Egypt

How Long: Starting the week before Christmas through to Christmas Day

Regardless of religious beliefs, most Egyptians join in the festivities. Starting a week before Christmas, homes and businesses are decked out in holiday decorations of lights and manger scenes. Special holiday bazaars are set up in the streets. Midnight mass is held on Christmas Eve, after which everyone gathers to eat traditional dishes and celebrate.

SHAM al-NASEEM

When: March 21

Location: The Nile

How Long: On that day

The name of the festival translates into “sniffing the breeze”. This ancient holiday marks the coming of spring and all Egyptians join in to celebrate. The festivities are held spending the day in picnics in the countryside or parks. Some people grab their picnic to take it on a boat ride down the Nile. The streets are filled with food vendors, musicians & dancers. Traditional foods of this holiday you’ll find in picnic baskets and at the vendors stalls include dried or pickled fish & dishes made from midamis or fuul (kidney beans).

MOULID an-NABI

When: Commemorated in Rabi’ al-awwal the third month in the Islamic calendar

Location:  most cities throughout Egypt

How Long: 1 day

A major Islamic festival marking the birth of the prophet Mohammed. Dancers, acrobats, & musicians  fill the streets. Parades and processions are hosted on this day in cities throughout Egypt. Families join together exchanging gifts before heading out to the festivities in the streets. Sold from street-side stalls along the way are the traditional foods of Moulid an-Nabi, hummus  and sweets like halawet el-moulid.

LEYLET en NUKTAH

When: June 17

Location: The Nile

How Long: That day until the next morning

Ancient Egyptians sacrificed beautiful women to appease the gods, what they believed would bring on the flooding of the Nile. They worshipped the Nile for the yearly bounty it brought.  In modern day, the celebration continues. Instead of sacrificing women, they camp and picnic along the edge of the Nile.  Some spend the night in the streets with family and friends. When the sun sets, the women place balls of dough outside. In the morning they look at the cracks to make predictions about the fortunes and longevity of each family member in the house.

RAMADAN and EID al-FITR

When: The 9^th month of the Islamic Calendar

Location: Throughout Egypt

How Long: The Entire Month

If traveling to Egypt during this month, be prepared for reduced business hours. This is a special month for Muslims around the world. It’s a month of sacrifice. They refrain from eating, drinking and any other physical needs during daylight hours. This allows them time to purify their soul by refocusing attention to God while practicing self-sacrifice. The day after Ramadan, the holiday of Eid al-Fitr begins and lasts for three to four days. Open air markets, fairs & festivals run through the streets as families exchange gifts and revel in the sweets from the roadside vendors.

Note: This info was accurate when it was published but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates, dates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip

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