How Can You Enjoy Public Holidays in Egypt?

Holidays are an important part of a calendar, a time to get together with family and friends. Public holidays in Egypt, are classified as secular and religious. Among these days, only a few fixed holidays, while others are movable day-offs. Apart from that, Fridays and Saturdays (or Sundays) are official resting-days.

Important Public Holidays in Egypt

1. Coptic Christmas (January 7)

Who celebrates it? - Coptic Christians
Why? – Birth of Jesus

Contrary to the rest of the world, Christmas among the Coptic Christians is celebrated on January 7th. On the eve of Christmas, special masses are organized. Before Christmas, the Coptic follow a 43-day long fast where they do not eat meat or any animal-derived product including milk, honey, or eggs. The strict Holy Nativity Fast ends on January 6.

On Christmas day, gifts are shared among friends and families. Children leave kahk (sweet biscuits) for Baba Noël, and the father Christmas/Santa Claus, who is expected to leave gifts for them.

2. Sham Ennessim

Who celebrate it? – Everyone
Why? – To mark the beginning of spring

The Sham Ennessim is a traditional festival marking the beginning of spring. It falls a day after the Eastern Christian Easter and is celebrated as one of the important public holidays in Egypt. On this day, people usually spend their day outdoors and eating specially prepared meals like fesikh, tirmis, and colored boiled eggs.

3. Eid al-Fitr

Who celebrate it? – Muslims
Why? – To mark the end of fasting during the month of Ramadan

Eid al-Fitr is among the Islamic public holidays in Egypt, marking the end of a month-long fasting period in the month of Ramadan. The festival begins with the people offering namaz and then indulging in feasting with family and friends. Usually, children receive gifts or Eidi from elders on the occasion.

4. Police Day /Revolution Day (January 25)

Why? – Recognizing the efforts of the police

Recently added to the list of public holidays in Egypt, the Police Day is celebrated to honor the police officials and their efforts toward keeping the streets safe. However, since 2011, youth began organizing protects and marches on the day to make a statement against police brutality.

5. Sinai Liberation Day (April 25)

Why? – The holiday marks the liberation and return of the Sinai region back to Egypt's sovereignty.

On January 25th, the Egyptians offer their tribute to soldiers who fought and helped the Egyptian forces to liberate the Sinai region.

6. Islamic New Year/ Awal Muharram

Why? – Marking the beginning of the new year

Most of the Muslims prefer to spend this holiday indoors, with their family members. Special prayers and sermons are organized on the occasion.

Apart from these public holidays in Egypt, here are few more day-offs mentioned below:

•   Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad
•   Eid al-Adha
•   Armed Forces Day
•   Revolution Day
•   30-June Day
•   Labour Day

While few are religious holidays, others are secular holidays – celebrated by the general public. These days, people usually prefer to spend time with their family and friends.