Egypt Public Holidays
Egypt Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Egypt? All public holidays in Egypt are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Egypt employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Egypt and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Egypt is a country rich in history and culture, and its public holidays reflect a blend of national pride, religious observances, and ancient traditions. The public holidays in Egypt are an essential part of the nation’s cultural fabric, with some holidays celebrated nationwide and others observed only by certain religious groups. Egyptian public holidays are divided primarily into national holidays and religious holidays, both of which hold special significance for the Egyptian people. This article provides an overview of the main public holidays in Egypt, including how they are celebrated, their historical and cultural significance, and the traditions associated with each.
National Public Holidays
National public holidays in Egypt are observed to commemorate important events in the country’s history. These holidays often involve official ceremonies, celebrations, and time spent with family.
Revolution Day (23rd July)
According to plus-size-tips.com, Revolution Day, celebrated on the 23rd of July each year, marks the anniversary of the 1952 Egyptian Revolution, which led to the end of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic under President Gamal Abdel Nasser.
Celebrations:
- Military Parades: In Cairo, particularly around Tahrir Square, military parades and other state-sponsored events are held to commemorate the revolution.
- Public Speeches: Speeches by government leaders, including the President, often highlight the achievements of the revolution and its leaders.
- National Pride: The Egyptian flag is displayed prominently, and patriotic songs are played on television and radio.
National Police Day (25th January)
National Police Day is celebrated on the 25th of January to honor the Egyptian police for their efforts in maintaining law and order, particularly commemorating their stand against British forces in 1952.
Events:
- Official Ceremonies: Police officers are honored for their service, and government officials give speeches about the importance of security and national sovereignty.
- Revolution Association: This day also coincides with the anniversary of the 2011 revolution, when protests erupted across Egypt, eventually leading to significant political changes.
Sinai Liberation Day (25th April)
Sinai Liberation Day is observed on the 25th of April to celebrate the return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egyptian control in 1982, following the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel.
Key Celebrations:
- State Celebrations: Ceremonies and events are organized by the government to commemorate the sacrifices made during the wars that led to the liberation of Sinai.
- Media Tributes: Egyptian television and radio often broadcast documentaries and programs about the wars with Israel and the importance of Sinai to Egypt.
Labor Day (1st May)
Labor Day, observed on the 1st of May, is a day dedicated to workers in Egypt and around the world. The holiday highlights the importance of labor in the development of the nation.
Traditions:
- Worker Recognition: Government and labor organizations hold events to honor outstanding workers and discuss labor rights and improvements in working conditions.
- Public Holiday: While not as widely celebrated as other holidays, it is a public holiday, and many people take the day off to spend with family.
Armed Forces Day (6th October)
Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the 6th of October to commemorate Egypt’s victory in the 1973 Yom Kippur War (October War) against Israel, when Egyptian forces successfully crossed the Suez Canal and regained territory in Sinai.
Key Events:
- Military Parades: Major military parades and air shows are held to showcase Egypt’s military strength and to honor those who fought in the war.
- Documentaries: Television channels broadcast documentaries and programs that recount the events of the 1973 war and its significance for Egypt.
Religious Public Holidays
Religious holidays in Egypt are some of the most widely celebrated events in the country, and they reflect the religious diversity of the population, predominantly Muslim with a significant Christian minority. These holidays are based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar, making their dates shift each year for Islamic holidays.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is one of the most important Islamic holidays, marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. The holiday is celebrated with prayers, feasts, and the exchange of gifts.
Traditions:
- Eid Prayers: On the morning of Eid, Muslims gather at mosques or open spaces for a special prayer known as Salat al-Eid.
- Family Gatherings: Families come together for feasts, and it is customary to prepare and share special dishes such as kahk (a type of sweet biscuit).
- Zakat al-Fitr: It is traditional for Muslims to give to charity during Eid, ensuring that those less fortunate can also partake in the celebrations.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is another major Islamic holiday celebrated in Egypt. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
Celebrations:
- Animal Sacrifice: One of the key traditions of Eid al-Adha is the sacrifice of an animal (usually a sheep, cow, or goat). The meat is then distributed among family, friends, and the poor.
- Prayers and Feasts: Similar to Eid al-Fitr, families gather for prayers and share meals, often including dishes made from the sacrificed animal.
- Charity: A significant aspect of this holiday is giving to those in need, both in terms of food and money.
Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year)
The Islamic New Year, or Ras as-Sanah al-Hijriyah, marks the beginning of the new Islamic lunar calendar year. It is based on the migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
Observances:
- Religious Reflection: The day is often spent in prayer and reflection on the teachings of Islam.
- Mosque Gatherings: Many people visit mosques to attend sermons and special prayers that reflect on the significance of the Prophet’s journey.
Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday)
Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is an important holiday in the Islamic calendar.
Celebrations:
- Special Prayers: Mosques hold special prayers and sermons that recount the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Feasts and Sweets: In Egypt, it is traditional to prepare and share sweet treats like halawet al-moulid, a confection made from nuts and sugar.
- Public Gatherings: Some communities organize processions and gatherings in honor of the Prophet.
Coptic Christmas (7th January)
Coptic Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January by the Coptic Orthodox Christian community in Egypt, one of the largest Christian communities in the Middle East.
Key Traditions:
- Midnight Mass: On Christmas Eve (6th January), Coptic Christians attend a midnight mass, which is the central event of the holiday.
- Fasting: Many Coptic Christians observe a 43-day fast (Advent) leading up to Christmas, abstaining from meat and dairy products.
- Family Gatherings: After the mass, families come together for a special meal, often featuring traditional Egyptian dishes.
Coptic Easter
Coptic Easter is one of the most significant Christian holidays in Egypt, celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Church. The date of Easter is based on the Coptic calendar and often differs from Western Christian Easter.
Celebrations:
- Church Services: Special services are held on Easter Sunday, following a period of fasting during Lent.
- Easter Feasts: After the fast is broken, families gather for large meals, often including lamb and other traditional foods.
- Decorated Eggs: Similar to other Christian Easter traditions, eggs are painted and exchanged as symbols of new life and resurrection.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday, observed by the Coptic Christian community in Egypt, marks the beginning of Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter.
Observances:
- Church Services: Special services are held in churches, where palm leaves are blessed and distributed to the congregation.
- Processions: Some churches organize processions with palm leaves, reenacting Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.
Regional and State-Specific Holidays
While most public holidays in Egypt are observed nationwide, some regions and cities have their own specific celebrations, which are often tied to local saints, historical events, or regional customs.
Sham el-Nessim
Sham el-Nessim is an ancient Egyptian spring festival, celebrated on the Monday following Coptic Easter. Though its origins date back to Pharaonic times, it is a secular holiday celebrated by all Egyptians, regardless of religion.
Key Traditions:
- Picnics and Outdoor Activities: Families celebrate the arrival of spring by going on picnics and spending time outdoors.
- Traditional Foods: The day is marked by the consumption of specific foods such as feseekh (salted fish), green onions, and colored boiled eggs.
- Cultural Unity: Sham el-Nessim is a unique holiday because it is celebrated by both Muslims and Christians, reflecting the shared cultural heritage of Egypt.
Observance of Public Holidays in Egypt
Public holidays in Egypt are a time for family, reflection, and celebration. Depending on the type of holiday—whether it is national or religious—celebrations can range from solemn prayers to grand parades and feasts. The dates of religious holidays that follow the Islamic calendar shift each year, while national holidays occur on fixed dates. It is common for people to take these opportunities to visit family, participate in religious or cultural rituals, and enjoy time off from work.
Work During Public Holidays
In Egypt, public holidays are typically observed with days off for both government employees and private-sector workers. However, essential services, including hospitals, emergency services, and some sectors of the tourism industry, may continue to operate. Employees working during public holidays are often compensated with additional pay or time off.
