Guide to Public Holidays and Festivals in Egypt
Public Holidays and Festivals in Egypt offer an incredible opportunity to dive into the country’s rich, layered culture. This comprehensive guide, compiled by our travel experts, provides essential facts and specifics on all major Egyptian holidays and celebrations.
Egypt’s festive calendar is truly unique, with observances that span the entire community and fall into diverse categories. You’ll find a dynamic mix of events: some are religious (including four key Islamic festivals and two major Christian holidays), while others are secular national holidays or ancient social celebrations.
Crucially for travelers, these major events, whether officially declared public holidays or deeply cherished festivals, provide an unrivaled glimpse into Egypt’s fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern life. While most Egyptians work six days a week, many government and administrative offices observe non-working days on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. Plan your trip around these dates to maximize your cultural experience and manage closures.
Islamic Festivals in Egypt
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.
Public Holidays: Coptic Festivals in Egypt
1. Christmas Break-January 7th, 2022
According to the Coptic Calendar, Jesus Christ was born on January 7th, and most Egyptians, regardless of faith, participate in the celebrations, notably in Cairo and other Coptic localities. Homes and businesses are decked up with brilliant lights and decorations the week before Christmas, and there are manger scenes and special holiday bazaars in the streets. On Christmas Eve, after the midnight service, people gather to celebrate and eat Fata, a bowl of traditional rice, garlic, and pork soup
2. Easter Festival” at Sham El Nassim-April 20th, 2022
On Easter morning, Coptic Christians maintain an Easter vigil until dawn. The festivities include a resurrection drama, known as “The Great Vigil,” which focuses on both the resurrection and the Ascension. To signify humanity’s fall into sin, the play portrays heaven’s gates as locked, and the chamber remains black at the beginning. Families serve huge feasts during the Easter celebration to break the extended time of fasting.
Popular dishes include fish, pork, eggs, cookies, biscuits, and “Fatteh,” a meal consisting of rice and other items layered on top of crispy flatbread. Coptic Christians also buy and wear new clothing as they visit relatives and friends at their homes, often leading into the national spring holiday of Sham El Nessim.
National Holidays in Egypt
The following Egyptian holidays are observed across the nation, with government offices and ministries closed.
- January 25th Revolution – January 25th: On the 25th of January 2011, the Egyptian revolution against “President Mubarak” began, and it is also National Police Day in Egypt. In Egypt, today is a holiday.
- Revolution of July 23, 1952: On July 23, Egypt commemorates the Egyptian revolution of 1952 against King Farouk, which was the catalyst for the fall of Egypt’s monarchy.
- The 25th of April will be Sina Liberation Day.<br />Sinai Liberation Day commemorates the ultimate departure of all Israeli military troops from the Sinai Peninsula in 1988, when Egypt reclaimed the Sinai Peninsula and the last Israeli soldier left Taba.
- May 1st (Labor Day)
All Egyptians get the day off. The general public has the day off, and most schools and businesses are closed. It will fall on a Friday, however since Friday is an official holiday, some firms may prefer Thursday. - Feast of Sinai Independence – October 6 During President “Mohamed Anwar Sadat’s” presidency, Egypt commemorates its first military success in the October War, which led to the liberation of Sinai from occupation.
Public Holidays: Social Festivals in Egypt
1. Mother’s Day – March 21st:
It is observed on March 21 as a mark of respect for Egyptian mothers, however it is not a national holiday in Egypt.
2. April 20th, Spring Day:
It has no set date, but it is most likely around April during the spring season, when Egyptians like visiting national parks and eating dried fish and fruits, so if you visit Egypt at that time, you will notice that everything is different.
Bring the enchantment to a close with a Sweet treat of Wonder
Come to Egypt and enjoy the weather. See the natural beaches and breathtaking ruins. Visit Karnak Temple and Abu Simbel Temple. Explore Queen Hatshepsut Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Discover other historical landmarks. Don’t worry about money. Egypt offers many tours to fit your budget. Check out our Egypt tour packages. Pick your favorite journey. We also offer Egypt Nile cruise packages. They provide a magnificent experience. Don’t miss this opportunity. Book with us right away.
