Islamic Festivals in Egypt
1. Muharram, 1st–10th August 2021
According to the Islamic calendar, it’s a new Hijri or Islamic New Year. It is also regarded as a national holiday in Egypt.
2. Rabea Awaal, October 12th–29th, 2021
It’s an important Islamic holiday commemorating the prophet Mohammed’s birthday (peace be upon him). In Egypt, it is known as “Moulid al Nabawy.” Acrobats, drummers, and musicians may be seen on almost every street. Families gather to meet one another and share presents such as “Halawet El-Moulid” (a sort of halvah or candy) and sugar dolls sold at roadside booths, as well as hummus (a puree made from chickpeas), Moulid an-traditional Nabi’s snack. Additionally, it is a national holiday in Egypt for all Egyptians.
3. Ragab
All Muslims in Egypt commemorate the ascension of Prophet Muhammad to heaven on the 27th of Ragab, also known as “Laylat El-Esraa & Miraj.” In Egypt and other Muslim nations, it is a national holiday.
4. 15th Night of Shaban
It’s a unique night that the prophet Mohamed mentions in his Hadith, and people commemorate it by reciting a passage from the holy book Quraan, although it’s not one of Egypt’s national holidays.
5. Ramadan in Egypt
Ramadan is a holy month in Egypt, bringing a unique sense of joy and community. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, a practice that commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad. The fast is one of the five pillars of Islam, meant to foster self-discipline and bring people closer to God. The end of each day’s fast is celebrated with a large feast called ‘Iftar,’ where families and friends gather to share a meal, often starting with dates. Before dawn, a meal known as ‘Suhoor’ is eaten to provide energy for the day ahead.
The entire month is a time for introspection and devotion. Children often celebrate by buying “Fanoos Ramadan,” a beautifully decorated lantern. The festivities culminate in a three-day feast known as ‘Eid al-Fitr.’ For tourists, Ramadan offers a special opportunity to experience Egyptian culture. While the days are quiet, the streets and houses come alive with decorations and lanterns in the evenings. All tourist sites and services remain open, and visitors can enjoy delicious Egyptian cuisine after sunset. Traveling during Ramadan is considered safe, and it provides a unique chance to witness a different side of Egypt’s culture and hospitality.
6. Eid Al Fitr, May 12th to May 15th, 2022
On the first day following the holy month of Ramadan, Shawal, which is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar (from the 1st to the 3rd of Shawal), Egypt celebrates Eid al-Fitr, a three-or four-day vacation. People frequently rejoice all day and night with their friends, relatives, and loved ones after the last fast-breaking (Iftar). The following day, everyone changes into new clothing to participate in street activities like tiny fairs and outdoor markets, while relatives and friends gather to exchange presents and sweets (which most Egyptians make at home). Because Muslim festivals are based on the Gregorian and lunar calendars, they do not have set dates.
7. Dhu al-Hijjri-July 11th, 2022
Dhul-Hijjah is the Islamic calendar’s 12th month. It’s what it’s called when individuals go to Mecca to do their Holly Visit for Al Hag. Egyptians fast on that day, which is also a national holiday in Egypt.
8. Al Adha Eid – July 19th–July 23rd, 2022
From the 10th to the 13th of October, the Zo Al Haga Feast of the Sacrifice commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah’s (God’s) mandate. Ibrahim’s father gave him a male animal to offer instead of his son before he slaughtered him. A slaughtered animal is split into three parts in honour of this: one-third is given to the needy, another third is given to relatives, friends, and neighbours, and the remaining third is kept by the family.
