What are the important holidays in Egypt?

Discover what is an important holiday in Egypt and why it matters for your trip. Plan smart, travel better, and enjoy Egypt’s culture at the perfect time.

Have you ever wondered about the most important holidays in Egypt, their historical origins, and how you can enjoy them? Egypt is characterized by many important holidays and celebrations, some of which are religious and some of which are historical and political. Together we will learn about the most important holidays and celebrations up close.

Holidays celebrated in Egypt

Many occasions are celebrated in Egypt, some of which are official holidays in the entire country, Such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, October Victory Day, and Christmas. and some of which are celebrated without an official holiday Such as Easter and New Year's Eve.

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What are the most important holidays in Egypt?

Egyptians celebrate many occasions, some of which are of great importance to them, especially religious occasions. This is because Egyptians are considered religious people who give great importance to religious occasions.

Among the most important occasions celebrated by Egyptians:

• Eid al-Fitr

Known also as the “ festival of breaking fast” It is the holiday that Muslims celebrate after the holy month of Ramadan. After fasting the entire month, Eid al-Fitr is the Muslim’s reward in which they rejoice at their breaking of the fast. There are many manifestations of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in Egypt, including making delicious baked goods and sweets such as biscuits and petit fours and wearing new clothes. On the morning of Eid, Muslims gather in mosques and prayer halls to perform Eid prayers. Adults also give children money, which is known as Eidiya. Also on Eid, people exchange visits and congratulations. The Eid al-Fitr holiday in Egypt is usually three days.

• Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is also known as the “feast of sacrifice “; it is celebrated in the month of Dhul-Hijjah every year, which is the month of Hajj for Muslims. It commemorates the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to Allah. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims slaughter sacrificial animals such as sheep and cattle and enjoy delicious dishes, the most famous of which is Fatteh. The Eid Al-Adha holiday is usually five days, starting from the day of Arafat, which is the day before Eid, and ending on the fourth day of Eid.

• Eastern Orthodox Christmas Egyptian Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7th. This day is one of the important holidays in Egypt and it is an official holiday in the country, Christians gather in churches to pray and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ peace be upon him.
• Celebrating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad Egyptians celebrate the birth of the Prophet on the twelfth of Rabi' al-Awwal, which is one of the Hijri months. Egyptians have a great love for the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, so they celebrate his birthday by buying sweets, and giving them to each other. This day is an official holiday in Egypt.

Other Egypt Holidays

There are also many special days that Egyptians celebrate, some of which are religious, some of which are political or traditional, such as:

• Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year also known as the Hijri New Year marks the beginning of the new lunar year in the Islamic calendar. The Islamic New Year commemorates the hijrah, the migration of the prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. This event marked a turning point in the history of Islam and the establishment of the first Islamic state. This day is an official holiday in Egypt.

• Coptic Easter Usually falls in April or May. It is a major religious holiday for the Coptic Orthodox church, it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ In the Christian faith. Coptic Easter is celebrated with great fervor, including religious services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts.

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What are the special celebration days in Egypt?

Many important holidays in Egypt are unique to it and are celebrated in Egypt and not in the rest of the world, such as:

• October 6th: day of liberation in Egypt

October 6th is a significant national holiday in Egypt, commemorating the country's victory in the 1973 Yom Kippur War against Israel This day marks a turning point in Egypt's history, symbolizing the nation's resilience, determination, and military prowess

• Revolution Day Revolution Day in Egypt,t celebrated on July 2,3, marks the anniversary of the 1952 revolution that overthrew the monarchy and established the Egyptian Republic.

This significant event shaped the course of Egypt's history and countries to be commemorated with pride and nationalistic fervor.

• Sham El Nessim is a vibrant Egyptian spring festival celebrated on the day after Easter, usually in April or May.

This ancient tradition dates back to pharaonic times and continues to be a believed tradition in modern Egypt. On Sham El Nessim, Egyptians eat colored eggs and salted fish. They also go for walks in parks and open spaces to enjoy the beautiful spring weather. Sham El Nessim is an official holiday in Egypt.

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Did the Egyptians celebrate holidays and what is the history of the Egyptian festival?

While our understanding of ancient Egyptian holidays is limited due to the lack of written records, archaeological evidence and surviving texts offer valuable insights. Here are some of the significant important holidays in Egypt celebrated by the ancient Egyptians:

• Sed Festival: This was a major royal celebration commemorating a pharaoh's 30th year of reign. It involved elaborate rituals, processions, and athletic competitions.
• Opet Festival: This festival involved the ceremonial journey of the god Amun from Karnak to Luxor and back. It was a grand spectacle, with thousands of people participating in the procession.
• Beautiful Festival of the Valley: This festival was celebrated in the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of the pharaohs were located. It was a time for honoring the dead and ensuring their eternal well-being.
• Wep-Wadjet Festival: Dedicated to the goddess Wadjet, associated with protection and healing.
• Akhet Festival: Celebrated at the beginning of the Nile River's flooding, marking the start of the agricultural season

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Coptic Festivals

The rise of Christianity in Egypt led to the development of Coptic festivals, which often incorporated elements of ancient Egyptian traditions. Coptic Easter, celebrated according to the Julian calendar, is a major religious event for the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Islamic Festivals

Following the Muslim conquest of Egypt in the 7th century, Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid al-Nabi became prominent. These festivals, while rooted in Islamic traditions, also reflect Egyptian cultural influences.

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Modern Egyptian Festivals

In modern Egypt, a variety of festivals continue to be celebrated, reflecting the country's diverse cultural heritage. These include:

• Sham El-Nessim: An ancient Egyptian spring festival celebrated on the first day of the Coptic New Year.
• Revolution Day: Commemorates the 1952 revolution that overthrew the monarchy and established the Egyptian Republic.
• Sinai Liberation Day: Marks Egypt's victory in the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

Egyptian festivals have played a crucial role in shaping the country's cultural identity and have evolved to reflect the changing needs and aspirations of its people. These celebrations continue to be an important part of Egyptian life, providing opportunities for community gatherings, religious observance, and cultural expression.

Official Holidays in Egypt 2024

If you are planning to spend a fun vacation in Egypt, you should know the important holidays in Egypt to plan your trip and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Here is a list of important holidays in Egypt and occasions for the year 2024:

How can You enjoy public holidays in Egypt

You can enjoy the holiday atmosphere in Egypt in more than one way, as you can go to open parks such as Al-Azhar Park or the Family Park, which are characterized by green spaces and a family atmosphere. You can also go to archaeological sites such as the Pyramids of Giza or the Grand Egyptian Museum. You can also go to the old neighborhoods of Egypt and see the Islamic monuments. You can go to Al-Muizz Street, which is characterized by its historical atmosphere. You can also try Authentic Egyptian Food associated with occasions such as Fatta on Eid al-Adha or special baked goods on Eid al-Fitr. You can also try the Nightlife in Egypt Where you can enjoy the magical nights of Cairo on the banks of the Nile or in the sleepless streets of Egypt.

Conclusion

Egyptian holidays and celebrations are characterized by their great diversity between religious celebrations, political celebrations, and traditional celebrations, which makes spending a vacation in Egypt during important holidays in Egypt an enjoyable and exciting matter full of positive experiences.