Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023: A Guide To Festivals And Events
As a frequent traveler, I always make sure to plan my trips around local events and festivals. This year, I had the pleasure of visiting Egypt during their holiday season. The country is known for its rich history and culture, and the holiday calendar is no exception. In this article, I will share my personal experience and give you a detailed guide to the Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023.
What is the Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023?
The Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023 is a list of official holidays and festivals that are celebrated throughout the country. These holidays are either religious or national, and they are observed by both Muslims and Christians. The calendar is a mix of fixed and moveable holidays, meaning that some are celebrated on the same date every year, while others change based on the lunar calendar.
Fixed Holidays
The fixed holidays in the Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023 include New Year’s Day, Coptic Christmas, and National Police Day. New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1st, while Coptic Christmas is celebrated on January 7th. National Police Day is observed on January 25th and honors the police officers who lost their lives during the 1952 revolution.
Moveable Holidays
The moveable holidays in the Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023 include Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid al-Nabi. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal. Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and honors the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and is observed on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal.
World Events and Festivals in Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023
Aside from the official holidays, there are also several world events and festivals that take place in Egypt throughout the year. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Cairo International Book Fair
The Cairo International Book Fair is held annually and is the largest book fair in the Arab world. It usually takes place in January or February and attracts visitors from all over the world. The fair features book signings, author talks, and cultural events.
Sham el-Nessim
Sham el-Nessim is an ancient Egyptian festival that has been celebrated for thousands of years. It takes place on the Monday after Coptic Easter and marks the beginning of spring. Egyptians celebrate by having picnics, eating traditional foods, and playing games.
Abu Simbel Sun Festival
The Abu Simbel Sun Festival is a unique event that takes place twice a year, on February 22nd and October 22nd. The festival celebrates the alignment of the sun with the temple of Ramses II in Abu Simbel. Visitors gather to witness the spectacle and take part in traditional celebrations.
List of Events and Festivals in Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023
Here is a complete list of the official holidays and festivals in the Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Coptic Christmas – January 7th
- National Police Day – January 25th
- Eid al-Fitr – May 2nd to May 4th (subject to change based on lunar calendar)
- Eid al-Adha – July 21st to July 23rd (subject to change based on lunar calendar)
- Mawlid al-Nabi – November 12th (subject to change based on lunar calendar)
Aside from the official holidays, visitors can also enjoy the world events and festivals mentioned above.
Question & Answer
Q: When is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?
A: The Abu Simbel Sun Festival takes place twice a year, on February 22nd and October 22nd.
Q: What is Sham el-Nessim?
A: Sham el-Nessim is an ancient Egyptian festival that celebrates the beginning of spring. It takes place on the Monday after Coptic Easter and involves picnics, traditional foods, and games.
Q: Are the official holidays in the Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023 observed by both Muslims and Christians?
A: Yes, the official holidays in the Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023 are observed by both Muslims and Christians.
In conclusion, the Egypt Holiday Calendar 2023 is a mix of official holidays and world events that celebrate the country’s culture and history. Visitors can enjoy traditional celebrations, book fairs, and unique festivals throughout the year. Whether you’re a history buff, a book lover, or simply looking for a cultural experience, Egypt has something to offer.