Fun and festivities in Egypt - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

Egypt is a Muslim country, whose holidays reflect the interpenetration of culture and religion. Along with religious events, in Egypt, there are many secular festivals with deep historical roots. The New Year is not considered an official holiday in the country, however, the local people gladly join the fun. Buildings are decorated with bright garlands, shop windows - with bright red poinsettia flowers. Hotels present show programs including performances of oriental dancers and popular DJs. Two important religious holidays are celebrated in January. At the beginning of the month, Christians celebrate Coptic Christmas. On the eve of the event, closer to midnight, Copts go to the church service. On Christmas day, cities host concerts, parades, street representations on biblical themes. The turn of the Islamic New Year comes at the end of January. The holiday of Al-Hijra symbolizes the Prophet Mohammed's journey from Mecca to Medina.

Another important event for all Muslims in Egypt is such a religious event as Maulud, the birthday of the prophet Mohammed. Residents of the country visit mosques where sermons on the prophet's precepts are read. The celebration is usually combined with good deeds: almsgiving, charity, prayers. Streets of the cities are decorated with colored lanterns. There are solemn processions involving dervishes, musicians playing tumblers and tambourines. Everywhere you can see tents selling oriental sweets: Turkish delight, nougat, nuts. Here you can also buy a traditional festive treat - sugar figurines in the shape of "the prophet's bride" or an armed horseman. The end of the holy month of Ramadan is celebrated with rich feasts and folk festivals. The holiday of Eid al-Fitr lasts three days. Eid al-Adha is a festival dedicated to sacrifices as a sign of the end of the Hajj.

The Sun Festival in Abu Simbel is timed to the victory of Pharaoh Ramses II over the Hittites. In commemoration of the event, two temples were cut in the rock on the banks of the Nile: in honor of the Pharaoh himself and his wife. Tourists from all over the world come to see how the sun's rays illuminate the stone statues of the ruler, the gods Ptah, Amun, and Ra. Residents of the surrounding areas arrange large-scale celebrations with music, dancing, and costumed performances. In the evening, a fascinating laser show telling about the history of Egypt takes place at the walls of the temple. The Cairo International Film Festival is held in winter. In February, you can visit the World Book Fair, which is visited by world-famous writers. The annual fishing festival with contests and prizes takes place in Hurghada at the same time. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The first day of March is called the Day of Sports. The Egyptian government is actively supporting the development of sports. On this day, all cities host competitions, parades of athletes, and matches of local sports clubs. At the end of the month, Mother's Day is celebrated. It symbolizes the great importance of family ties for all Egyptians. The country holds festive concerts in gratitude to all mothers. Coptic Easter falls on March. It is an important Christian holiday when Coptic families gather at a big table to pray for the dead. Immediately after this comes the time of the Egyptians' favorite holiday - Sham Ennessim, which translates as "Scent Of The Western Wind". An ancient spring holiday is associated with the renewal of nature. Egyptians leave their houses and have picnics on riverbanks. Traditional dishes include a green salad, "Fesikh" salted fish, and painted eggs. People give each other sweets and flowers, ride on boats.

In April, the city of El Arish becomes the venue for the Camel Fair. Traditional camel races are organized within the framework of the festival. That's how the fastest camel and the most skilled rider of Egypt are determined. The end of the month is marked by an important national holiday - Sinai Liberation Day. Labor Day in Egypt is celebrated on May 1 by demonstrations on the streets. In the same month, Sharkia hosts the impressive International Arabian Horse Fair where you can see legendary stallions in all their glory and even admire their dancing. In June, Egyptians pay tribute to the day of the withdrawal of foreign troops from Egypt in the middle of the 20th century. The holiday is called the Day of Liberation. The Day of Revolution is celebrated at the end of July. It reminds Egyptians of the establishment of a new power in the country and the monarch's abdication from the throne.

Tourists are recommended to visit the Tourism Festival in July where the best hotels and restaurants offer incredible discounts. In mid-August, Egyptians celebrate Wafaa el Nil (Flooding of the Nile). In ancient times, the great river was the only source of fresh water, and its return to the coast after a drought promised a rich harvest. The ancient Egyptians associated Flooding of the Nile with the goddess Isis' weeping for her deceased spouse - god Osiris. The present-day festival lasts for two weeks. Fun festivities are organized for visitors. On the river, there are competitions in windsurfing, swimming, rowing. Within the framework of the event, you can visit flower exhibitions and historical presentations.