Festivals & Celebrations

Egypt’s Festivals & Celebrations add color, music, and meaning to every itinerary. During Ramadan, cities glow with lanterns and late-night cafés; after a month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr brings family gatherings, sweets, and charitable giving. Eid al-Adha follows with dawn prayers and festive meals. On January 7, Coptic Christmas fills churches and bakeries, while spring’s Sham El-Nessim invites picnics, painted eggs, and breezy Nile outings. Sufi-inspired moulids animate neighborhoods with devotional chants, fairs, and whirl of drums. Twice a year, the sun pierces Abu Simbel’s inner sanctuary (around February 22 and October 22), a breathtaking alignment that draws early-morning crowds. Culture fans can time visits for the Cairo International Film Festival and Red Sea music weekends along the coast. Practical tips: confirm holiday opening hours, book early in peak periods, dress modestly near religious sites, and carry small notes for tips. Choose guided experiences to understand stories, customs, and community traditions woven through Egypt’s celebratory calendar.