Egypt’s festivals and public holidays are the best chances to thoroughly immerse yourself in the country’s fascinating culture. The primary goal of this page is to provide all of the facts and specifics about all of Egypt’s festivals and public holidays.
This article about Egypt’s Festivals and Public Holidays was prepared by a team of highly qualified tour guides, tour operators, and travel advisors who are well acquainted with Egypt’s history and culture. Egypt’s public holidays are extremely unique since they are observed by the whole community and come in a variety of colours and categories. Some holidays are religious, while others are secular; some are set, while others are not. In Egypt, we have four Islamic festivals and two Christian holidays.
Furthermore, Egypt’s Festivals and Public Holidays are national and social festivals, some of which are designated holidays and some of which are not, but all of which are regarded as being a unique period in time that exhibits an incredible part of ancient and contemporary Egypt’s enormous culture.
The season of 2021-2022 seems to be highly promising for all tourists from all around the globe who seek to witness a real marvel. The majority of Egyptians work six days a week, but a minority work just five days, since government offices and ministries in Egypt close on Fridays, banks and many institutions close on Saturdays, and many other administrative areas are closed on Sundays. All of Egypt’s festivals and holidays were centred on the following themes:
Egypt’s Festivals and Public Holidays
Islamic Festivals in Egypt
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ramadan in Egypt
The holiest or happiest days in Egypt are the heavenly days of Ramadan, when God’s favour beams with pleasure, comfort, and delight on every soul in Egypt. After a time of lockdowns and anxieties around the 2019 pandemic, the Ramadan season 2021-2022 is projected to be extremely spectacular, so get ready for a journey around a genuine slice of enchantment.
Muslims fast for thirty days throughout the month of Ramadan, refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity between dawn and sunset. People break their fast with their family at massive feasts known as ‘Iftar.’ Dates are generally the first food eaten. To keep their energy levels up throughout the day, Muslims would awaken early in the morning before sunrise to refuel their bodies with food and water before the fasting starts.
This meal is known as Suhor. Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic calendar, commemorating Muhammad’s first revelation of the Holy Quran. It is a 30-day period of pure thought, meditation, and repentance that begins with the viewing of a crescent moon and ends with the seeing of a full moon.
Ramadan is one of Islam’s five pillars, and it requires everyone to fast as an act of prayer and a way to feel closer to God, as well as to enhance their spiritual self-discipline and spiritual health. This month brings more colour and joy to the nation as a whole. The evenings of Ramadan are unlike any other time of the year. It is a time for introspection, self-control, and devotion to God.
Many Muslims see it as a kind of spiritual tune-up or cleansing. Children are also observing Ramadan by purchasing Fanoos Ramadan “A Beautifully Decorated Lamp” to fully appreciate its light and song. Of course, in Egypt, the whole month is not considered a holiday. The month’s conclusion is marked with a three-day feast known as ‘Eid al-Fitr.’
When does Ramadan begin in Egypt?
The Islamic calendar is based on a 12-month lunar calendar. From the sighting of the new moon “Crescent” till the rising of a new moon, Ramadan starts. It normally starts in mid-April and lasts for roughly 29 to 30 days.
What to Do in Egypt During Ramadan
Every tourist may easily and comfortably explore all of Egypt’s historical and cultural landmarks. Everyone will be able to see all of the beautiful decorations and Ramadan lanterns that have been placed around the houses and streets. Having dinner on El Moez Street is the ideal Ramadan activity. Throughout the remainder of the month and the full year, all of the typical tourist services will be accessible.
Traditions of Ramadan in Egypt
Ramadan is a month of fasting and prayer during which all Egyptians strive to get closer to Allah. Everything seems extremely tranquil throughout the day, but after the sun sets, everything comes to life. Every tourist will have the opportunity to sample all of Egypt’s distinct and delectable cuisines.
Is It Safe to Travel to Egypt During Ramadan?
Ramadan is one of the greatest periods to visit Egypt since it allows visitors to see all of the country’s divine features. All of the services required for your visit will be available and operational at all times. Egyptians are very polite and kind. During Ramadan, every tourist will have the opportunity to discover a side of Egypt that they have never seen before.
What are the Different Ways People Celebrate Ramadan?
The month of Ramadan starts with the three-day Eid al-Fitr festival, during which people share huge feasts and sweet snacks with family and friends, as well as exchange money and presents.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 poor and needy, another third is given to relatives, friends, and neighbours, and the remaining third is kept by the family.
Coptic Festivals in Egypt
- 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.
- “Easter Festival” at Sham El Nassim-April 20th, 2022
On Easter morning, Coptic Christians maintain an Easter vigil till dawn. The festivities will include a resurrection drama that focuses on both the resurrection and the Ascension, and it is known as “The Great Vigil.” To signify humanity’s fall into sin, heaven’s gates are portrayed as locked firmly, and the chamber is kept black at the beginning. To break the extended time of fasting, huge family feasts are offered during the Easter celebration. Popular dishes include fish, pork, eggs, cookies, biscuits, and “Fatteh,” a meal consisting of rice and other items layered on top of a crispy flatbread. As Coptic Christians visit relatives and friends at their homes, new clothing is purchased and worn.
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.
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.
Social Festivals in Egypt
- 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.
- 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
Make the journey to Egypt and enjoy the weather, natural beaches, and breathtaking ruins such as Karnak Temple, Abu Simbel Temple, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings, and other historical landmarks.
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