Africa Travel
Of Air & Earth &Water: 5 Festivals in Egypt
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).