Best 15 Holidays and Traditions in Egypt

Festivals and public holidays and traditions in Egypt are the best way to fully explore the charming culture of Egypt. The main purpose of this article is to present all the information and details related to all festivals and public holidays in Egypt. This article was written by a group of trained tour guides, tour operators and travel consultants Highly trained and who fully understand the history and culture of Egypt.

Public holidays and traditions in Egypt 2024 are truly something special that is celebrated by all residents and comes in different colors and classifications. Some holidays are religious, others are secular, and some can be fixed while others are mobile. In Egypt we have 4 Islamic holidays and 2 Christian holidays. Furthermore, we have national and social festivals, some of which are considered holidays, some of which are not, but all of which are considered a unique point in time that shows an amazing aspect of Egypt’s vast ancient and modern culture.

The 2024 season looks very promising for all the travelers around the world who want to experience the true wonder. Most Egyptians work six days a week, while a small number of them work only five days as government offices and ministries in Egypt rest on Friday every week, while banks and many institutes have days off on Saturday, and many other administrative areas do not work Sunday. All these feasts and feasts in Egypt revolved around the following points:

• Islamic Festivals, Holidays and Traditions in Egypt 

• Coptic Festivals, Holidays and Traditions in Egypt 

• National Festivals, Holidays and Traditions in Egypt 

• Social Festivals, Holidays and Traditions in Egypt 

 

Ramadan Holidays and Traditions in Egypt – 11th of March till 9th of April 2024

 

The most sacred or happiest days in Egypt are the heavenly days of Ramadan, when God’s grace shines upon every soul in Egypt with joy, relief and bliss. The Ramadan 2024 season is set to be truly magical, so get ready for a ride around a real slice of magic. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity between sunrise and sunset each day for 29 or 30 days.

People along with their families join in breaking the fast with huge feasts called “Iftar”. The first item that is traditionally consumed is dates. To ensure that energy levels are maintained throughout the day, Muslims also wake up early in the morning before sunrise to replenish their bodies with food and water again before fasting begins. This meal is called suhoor.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and the holiest month of all Islamic months and commemorates Muhammad’s first revelation of the Holy Quran. It is a month of contemplation, contemplation and repentance, and it lasts for 29 or 30 days, from the sighting of the crescent moon until the following month. Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam where everyone must fast, which is considered an act of worship and a way to feel close to God and promote spiritual self-discipline and spiritual health. This month adds more colors and fun to the entire country. the nights of Ramadan are completely different from the rest of the days of the year.

It is a time for inner contemplation, devotion to God, and self-control. Many Muslims believe that it is a kind of adjustment or purification of their spiritual life. Children also celebrate Ramadan by purchasing a Ramadan Fanoose, a “beautifully decorated lamp” to fully enjoy its light and debutant. Of course, the whole month is not considered a vacation in Egypt. The end of the month is celebrated with a three-day feast called Eid al-Fitr. Here are some questions that might be on your mind about the month of Ramadan in Egypt

“Islamic Festivals, Holidays, and Traditions in Egypt 2024

1- 1st of Muharram – July 7, 2024

It is the Hijri or Islamic New Year according to the Islamic calendar. It is considered a holiday for all Egyptians.

2- 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal {The Prophet’s Birthday} – September 16, 2024

It is a major Islamic festival that coincides with the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace), and the Egyptians In Egypt call it “the Prophet’s Birthday.” Most of the streets are filled with acrobats, drummers and musicians. Families come together to greet each other and exchange gifts such as the traditional sweets of “halva moulid” (a type of halva or candy) and sweet dollops sold from roadside stalls as well as hummus (a puree made from chickpeas). Traditional appetizers for the Prophet’s birthday. It is also a holiday in Egypt for all Egyptians

3- 27th of Ragab {Laylat El-Esraa & Miraj} – 8th February 2024

All Muslims in Egypt celebrate Rajab 27, which is called the “Night of the Night of Night Journey” and is the day on which the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. It is a national holiday in Egypt and in all Islamic countries..

4- Shaban 15th Night – 25th of February 2024

It is a special night mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad in his hadith, and people celebrate it by reading part of the Holy Quran, but it is not one of the holidays in Egypt.

5- Eid Al-Fitr – April 10, 11, 12, 2024

The first day after the holy month of Ramadan called Shawwal which is the tenth month of the Islamic calendar (from the first to the third of Shawwal) begins a three or four-day holiday in Egypt called Eid al-Fitr. After the final iftar, people often celebrate all day and night with their friends, family and loved ones. The next day, everyone dresses in new clothes to join the street celebrations with small fairs and open markets while families and friends gather to exchange gifts and sweets; Most Egyptians make these sweets at home. Islamic holidays are not on fixed dates because they follow the Nigerian and lunar calendars.

6- Dhu al-Hijjah – June 7, 2024 to July 6, 2024

Dhu al-Hijjah is the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. It is called when people make their holy visit to Mecca to perform Hajj. Egyptians fast on that day, and it is a holiday in Egypt

7- Eid al-Adha – from June 16 to June 19, 2024

From the tenth to the thirteenth day, Eid al-Adha Dhu al-Hajja honors the Prophet Abraham’s desire to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. Before Abraham sacrificed his son, God provided a male animal to sacrifice instead. In memory of this, an animal is slaughtered and divided into three parts: a third of the share goes to the poor and needy, a third goes to relatives, friends and neighbors, and the family keeps the remaining third.

 

“Coptic Festivals, Holidays, and Traditions in Egypt 2024

 

 

• Christmas Holidays and Traditions in Egypt– Tuesday 7th of January 2025

January 7 is the birthday of Jesus Christ according to the Coptic calendar, and most Egyptians, regardless of their religion, participate in the celebrations, especially in Cairo and other Coptic areas. In the week before Christmas, homes and businesses are decorated with colorful lights and decorations, and there are manger scenes and special holiday markets in the streets. After midnight mass on Christmas Eve, people gather to celebrate and eat a traditional dish of rice, garlic, and meat soup called vata. Discover Egypt’s timeless wonders and festive cheer on Egypt Christmas Tours.

• Sham El Nassim “Easter Festival” One of Holidays and Traditions in Egypt– Monday, 6th of May 2024

Coptic believers are hold an Easter vigil until dawn on Easter morning. This is known as the Great Vigil and the celebrations will include the Resurrection Play focusing on the Resurrection and Ascension. In the beginning, the gates of heaven are shown tightly closed, and the room is kept dark to symbolize humanity’s fall into sin. Easter is a large family dinner served to break the long period of fasting. Fish, meat, eggs, biscuits, crackers, and “fatti,” a dish of rice and other ingredients placed on top of crispy flatbread, are common cuisine options. New clothes are also purchased and worn while Coptic Christians visit their family members and friends in their homes.

 

National Holidays and Traditions in Egypt 2024

 The following holidays and traditions in Egypt are celebrated across the country, where government offices and ministries are closed.

1- 25 Revolution – Saturday, January 25, 2025

The beginning of the Egyptian revolution against “President Mubarak” was celebrated on January 25, 2011, which is also National Police Day. It is a holiday in Egypt.

2- Revolution of July 23, 1952 – Tuesday, July 23, 2024

On July 23, Egypt celebrates the Egyptian Revolution of 1952 against King Farouk; It was the main reason for the end of the Kingdom of Egypt.

3- Sinai Liberation Day – Friday, April 25, 2025

Sinai Liberation Day marks the final withdrawal of all Israeli military forces from the Sinai Peninsula when Egypt regained the land of Sinai and the retraction of the last Israeli soldier from the city of Taba in 1988.

4- Labor Day – Thursday, May 1, 2025

It is a holiday for all Egyptians. It is a holiday for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

5- Feast of Sinai Liberation – Sunday, October 6, 2024

Egypt celebrates its first military winning in the October War, that led to the liberation of Sinai from occupation, also during the era of President Mohamed Anwar Sadat

Social Festivals, Holidays, and Traditions in Egypt 2024

 

 

1- Mother’s Day – Friday, March 21, 2025

It is March 21 as a form of appreciation for Egyptian mothers, but it is not an official holiday in Egypt.

2- Spring Day one of Holidays and Traditions in Egypt– Sunday, April 20, 2025

It does not have a specific day, but it is likely to be in April during the spring. It is a public holiday where Egyptians like to go to national parks and eat fish and dried fruits, so when you visit Egypt during that holiday, you will find everything different in Egypt.

Conclusion: Embracing the Vibrant Tapestry of Holidays and Traditions in Egypt 

Holidays and Traditions in Egypt are not just days off work; they are a profound expression of the nation’s rich cultural heritage and deeply rooted traditions. By understanding the significance of these celebrations, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse and captivating essence of Egypt. Whether it’s the joyous Eid festivals, the reverent Moulid celebrations, or the patriotic national holidays, these occasions offer a window into the soul of this extraordinary country. As we explore the most important holidays in Egypt, we are invited to Immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of its history, faith, and community, ultimately enriching our own cultural understanding and appreciation.